A DIABETIC father from Dunmow is training to run the New York marathon for a diabetes charity next month. Mark Pinckney, of Lukins Drive, is running to raise money for Diabetes UK, a charity that is close to his heart as he has suffered from type one Diab

A DIABETIC father from Dunmow is training to run the New York marathon for a diabetes charity next month.

Mark Pinckney, of Lukins Drive, is running to raise money for Diabetes UK, a charity that is close to his heart as he has suffered from type one Diabetes for 31 years, since he was three years old.

"I decided to run the marathon for Diabetes UK before last year's marathon but I couldn't get an entry," said the 34-year-old, "but this year I had more luck."

Running the marathon with him is friend Andrew Green, from Collin's Cross in Bishop's Stortford, who is also taking part to raise money for Diabetes UK, the leading charity working for people with diabetes, funding research and helping people live with the condition.

The two friends decided to go for the New York Marathon, which is on Sunday, November 4, because everyone they know who has run a marathon has done the London Marathon.

For a diabetic, running has added complications and challenges to the ones other competitors face including close checks on insulin levels and careful planning for dietary intakes before, during and after training sessions.

"I have to keep a careful eye on my insulin.

"My blood sugar levels drop rapidly and I have to take Fruit Pastels out with me when I train and eat a couple every 10 minutes," explained Mr Pinckney.

"I have to confess that I'm rather dreading the actual race," said Mr Pinckney. "Training has been tough but my fiancée Lisa and daughter, Amy, have been very supportive and making sure I get up and out there. I really appreciate that."

Mr Pinckney has never let having diabetes stand in his way and says he has always been active, playing football as a youth and even racing motorcycles for ten years.

"There is little doubt that, of all the things I have done in my life, this marathon is the most physically demanding thing I have done."

It will be the first time Mr Pinckney has visited America and he is looking forward to seeing the famous landmarks of the Big Apple.

When asked what he wants to see most, he jokes: "The finishing line," adding he'll be keeping a close eye out for the Statue of Liberty.

The 26.2-mile race goes through all five boroughs of New York City and had the largest number of runners for a marathon last year.

It famously starts near the approach to the massive Verrazano Narrows Bridge, which connects Staten Island and Brooklyn, and is shut to vehicles during the event.

To donate to Mark and Andrew's fund-raising attempts, go to www.justgiving.com/markpinckney or www.justgiving.com/andys

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Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to Diabetes UK and posted to Alma Works, The Street, Takeley, Nr Bishop's Stortford, Herts. CM22 6QU.