A Louth woman celebrates 10 years of her life with diabetes by taking on a mountainous charity challenge with her best friend and a furry helper.
Georgie Frow, 23, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a decade ago. She had lived with the disease since she was young and sometimes had to have six or seven injections a day.
Georgie will hike with her friend Poppy Torrington and her companion dog Lola and will conquer the highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland between June 11th and June 12th to raise funds for the Diabetes UK charity.
Georgie was a student of the town’s King Edward VI Grammar when she suddenly began to lose severe weight and suffered attacks of unexplained illness at the age of just 13.
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Georgie, Poppy and companion dog Lola take on the UK’s highest peaks
(Image: Submitted)
She was taken to the hospital where she was found to have type 1 diabetes, which means her body cannot produce insulin, which controls blood sugar.
What causes the disease is not fully known, but people need to self-administer insulin, either by injection or an insulin pump.
As an active teenager, Georgie often gave herself six or seven injections a day because of her regular snacks.
Incredibly, Georgie is now an event rider stationed at 2018 World Champion Ros Canter in Hallington, near Louth.
With a modern pump, it is easier for the 3-star driver, who regularly competes on the British Eventing circuit, to cope with the condition – she competes herself and supports Ros, who is currently in the final selection for the 2020 Olympic Games Tokyo trains.
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On the subject of matching items
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On the subject of matching items
Georgie said, “I am very happy that with an active lifestyle and a great support network my diabetes did not have a huge impact on my life. The constant management, including finger prick tests and injections, is annoying, but has now become part of life.
“However, some people are less fortunate and struggle a lot more mentally and physically, which is why Diabetes UK is vital.”
She is joined by Poppy, an Edinburgh University graduate who has been good friends with Georgie since high school.
Currently back in Louth, Poppy said, “When we decided to raise funds, we wanted some adventure too and it sure will be one.
“We’ll stay on the road as we take Snowdonia first, then the lakes and Scafell Pike, before ending up in Scotland and at the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest peak at 1,345 meters.”
There will be one more member of the hiking group – Lola, Georgie’s very fit and active poodle!
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Treatment for type 1 diabetes can take time, and many people struggle with the process. Diabetes UK supports those diagnosed with everyday tasks such as: Exercise, count carbohydrates, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and make positive lifestyle changes.
The charity provides information about treatment methods and keeps blood sugar levels within the target range so that those affected can live well with the disease and the risk of complications in the future can be reduced.
They are also available for emotional support as diabetes is not only physically affected, but also many normal aspects of life, such as: Mealtimes, school, driving, traveling and living alone are becoming riskier.
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There is currently no known cure for type 1 diabetes, but the money donated to Diabetes UK will be used by scientists to study new treatments called immunotherapies. These could help prevent, stop, and cure the disease.
They’re also investing more money building on what we already know about the immune systems of people with type 1 diabetes.
Georgie and Poppy want to raise £ 500. You can find more information about the challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/georgieandpoppy3peakschallenge
