A MUM from Llandysul is getting ready to run the Swansea Half Marathon to raise funds for Diabetes UK Cymru following her son’s diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes this year.

The Swansea marathon will see dozens of Team Diabetes UK Cymru runners run the 13.1-mile course from the heart of the city to the coast on Sunday.

Catrin Evans-Thomas, 36, is running the marathon to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes as her son Caio Glyn, 6, has been living with the condition since January.

Catrin said: “We noticed that things weren’t right, Caio Glyn was visiting the bathroom more often than usual and asking for water at all times of the day and night. I now know that these are classic symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, which are called the 4Ts – toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner. But at the time we had no idea what could be causing his symptoms.

“We took him to the GP and were told to go to Glangwili Hospital for an immediate finger prick test to check his blood glucose levels, which showed that he had Type 1 diabetes. Despite the fact that this is such a serious condition, Caio Glyn has been managing really well with his diabetes, though it has been a learning curve for the whole family.

“I decided to run the Swansea Half Marathon for Diabetes UK Cymru because I really want to raise awareness of the seriousness of Type 1 diabetes, as well as the conditions’ symptoms.”

To sponsor Catrin, visit her JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Catrin-Evans-Thomas.

See this week's south editions for the full story, in shops and online now