Exeter researcher running Bath Half to beat diabetes

A researcher from Exeter will be pounding the pavements in the Bath Half Marathon in aid of Diabetes UK, the charity that funds her work.

The run on Sunday, 4 March 2018 will see around 12,000 runners take to the streets of the World Heritage City to tackle the 13.1-mile route.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Dr Pamela Bowman, 34, who is based at the University of Exeter Medical School, is running because she wants to show her gratitude to Diabetes UK for supporting her research.

Pamela, who investigates a rare form of diabetes that affects people from a very young age, has been training hard for the event.

She said: “I feel very fortunate to have been the recipient of Diabetes UK’s funding, so would like to try to use the Bath Half to raise awareness of the charity. I am hopeful that my studies will help us to understand more about how best we should treat people with this rare form of diabetes.

Annika Palmer, Diabetes UK south west regional head, said: “We’re doubly grateful to Pamela Bowman for taking on this challenge for us. The important research that Dr Bowman is carrying out and her decision to run for us are both crucial steps towards creating a world where diabetes can do no harm.”

Diabetes UK is the leading charitable funder of diabetes research in the UK, investing around £7 million every year to bring about life-changing breakthroughs in care, treatment and prevention, ultimately bringing us closer to a cure.

The charity is encouraging any entrants who have bought their own place in the Bath Half and are still looking for a good cause to support to consider running for Diabetes UK. Its runners get full fundraising and training support, a personalized running top and crazy hair, and loud cheers on the day from Diabetes  UK supporters who will be gathered at its cheer point on Churchill Bridge.

The Bath Half is one of the most popular city-centre road events in the UK. The course is fast and flat, making it suitable for all abilities, from beginners to experienced event runners looking to beat their personal best.

To sponsor Pamela Bowman visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pamela-bowman.

To find out more about fundraising for Diabetes UK in the Bath Half, go to www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved/fundraising-events/bath-half-marathon. To join our team of cheerers, contact events.fundraising@diabetes.org.uk