A SOLIHULL banker has got her running shoes on and is getting ready to take to the starting line at the Great Birmingham Run.
Ozgur Atwell is making her running debut in the 13.1 mile event in October in a bid to raise much-needed funds for Diabetes UK.
Ozgur, who works for Barclays Business Banking, decided to take on the half marathon challenge to support her friend, Sibel Cowan, whose daughter, Kayra, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes three years ago when she was just five years old.
The 39-year-old said: “My friend had a tough time dealing with her daughter’s diagnosis.
“She’s doing better now and they get great support from the school.
“My friend is incredibly dedicated to ensuring her daughter stays healthy, even waking up numerous times each night to check her daughter’s blood levels.
“I wanted to take on this running challenge to help my friend and show my support.”
The Morrisons Great Birmingham Run is the biggest half marathon in the Midlands and winds around some of the city’s most iconic sights including the Bullring, Cadbury World in Bournville and Edgbaston cricket ground and along Broad Street.
Peter Shorrick, regional manager at Diabetes UK, said: “We’re so proud of all the training and hard work that Ozgur has put in to take on this challenge with us.
“The money she raises will go a long way to helping us support the 3.9 million people with diabetes in the UK to manage their condition, as well as to campaign to improve the quality of care available to them, fund for pioneering research and work to stem the rising tide of diabetes.”
For more details or to donate visit www.justgiving.com/ozgur-atwell
