Beth Hodge (Right) pictured with her husband Tim after completing the Victoria Park Half Marathon
The office manager of a forward-thinking Welsh tech firm is preparing to take on one of the world’s most famous running challenges in aid of an Essex hospice that cared for her father.
Monmouthshire-based Afon Technology, developers of the world’s first non-invasive, real-time and continuous blood glucose sensor, has announced that its Office Manager, Beth Hodge, will be running the London Marathon on April 21 in a bid to raise a minimum of £5,000 for the Saint Francis Hospice in Romford, close to where she grew up.
Beth, who has type 1 diabetes, is running the famous 26 miles in memory of her dad who sadly passed away in the Saint Francis Hospice 20 years ago.
To prepare, the 36-year-old is following a rigorous training routine that includes long and short runs every week, as well as strength training sessions.
Beth said: “I am truly thrilled and humbled to be running the London Marathon for the first time, especially given the unexpected joy of securing a ballot place,” said Beth.
“A year into my running journey, I find myself on this incredible path to raise funds for Saint Francis Hospice, a place close to my heart after they provided compassionate care to my dad 20 years ago in his final weeks.
“My goal is to reach a minimum of £5,000, and while I’m currently at over £2,000, every step I take is fuelled by gratitude and determination. Running has become a love-hate relationship for me, but the cause and the memories of my father keep me going strong.”
During her training journey, Beth has faced challenges with her type 1 diabetes and has struggled to maintain stable blood sugars whilst running.
She added: “To maintain stable blood sugars whilst running I now eat sweets every couple of miles and ensure I eat a good breakfast before my long runs. There are so many factor that affect my blood glucose levels but I think I am slowly working out what works for me when running.”
Sabih Chaudhry, CEO of Afon Technology, said: “I want to express my wholehearted support for Beth, who is gearing up to conquer the London Marathon.
“I am proud to stand by her as she takes on this challenge and all of us at Afon are behind her every step of the way.”
Anyone who would like to help Beth to reach her target of raising a minimum of £5,000 for Saint Francis Hospice can do so by donating on her fundraising page.
Afon Technology is best known for developing the world’s first non-invasive, real-time and continuous blood glucose sensor. The device is worn on the inside of the wrist with or without a watch, and it feeds back to the user’s chosen smart device to display blood glucose data.
Unlike the current continuous glucose monitoring devices, it will measure blood glucose levels in real-time without the need to penetrate the skin at all, making it easier to manage the condition, reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations.
Companies such as Apple, Samsung and Google are rumoured to have been trying to develop non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, but so far none have been successful. Afon Technology hopes to win the race to this important milestone.
Preliminary clinical research gives people with diabetes hope that such a device could become a reality in the near future.
