My approach

Learn from your own ability to deal with daily difficulties, set ambitious goals, accept that life and exercise is going to be harder, and enjoy the returns—they are worth it.

Be fitter for having it

Learn from difficulties

Things get in the way of your daily routine. The hustle of life can get you down and distract you from your goals and your childhood dreams. Medical conditions, financial stress, pressure at work, endless chores, all make things more difficult, but most of us, especially kids, have in-built resilience to overcome them, which in time becomes a strength.

Set a path for success 

When your mojo fails strategies get you back on track. It wasn’t until I turned 40 and looked back on my life that the penny dropped. It was my passion for sport and adventure that had been my strategy. It had made me happy and kept me healthy, socially connected and mentally safe.

Accept that its harder 

With diabetes anything is possible, it’s just harder. I’ve had injuries, anxiety and crappy stuff that sets me back. There is no time off from type 1. It is relentless. When negative messages abound, and people you don’t know tell you what you can’t do, stand up and be courageous. Use the skills from managing difficult things day after day, for years on end, to defy naysayers and take on what life throws at you. And, never give up on your dreams.

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What you need

Looking back three things unlocked my potential. 

1. Good advice

My first doctor encouraged me to put exercise and an outdoors lifestyle above everything else, and explained type 1 complications were far less likely for fit people.

2. Inspiration

I learned that anything is possible from Gary Mabbutt MBE. He played football for Tottenham Hotspur and England with type 1 diabetes and showed me that to be the best, you have to beat the rest.

3. Belief

My parents were both school teachers and my father was a wizard on the sports field. They believed in me and encouraged me to to pursue my sporting dreams.