A FORMER GP from Melksham has completed her first half marathon at the age of 66, raising money for Diabetes UK.

Dr Liz Christie, 66, of Longleaze in Melksham, decided to run in the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London earlier this month to help raise money for the charity and to raise awareness of diabetes.

Dr Christie, the retired Bradford on Avon GP, said: “I developed type 2 diabetes two and a half years ago. I found that having diabetes was very different to treating it as a doctor. I became a champion for Diabetes UK after joining them, helping to improve its services and help with fundraising.

“From the half marathon I have raised £1,500, including help off my daughter who also ran it with me. It was such a great experience, to run my first half marathon, to raise money for the charity and to raise awareness is such a great feeling. My daughter joined me for the last mile of the race so we finished it together. I didn't want to walk any of it so I ran the whole thing.”

After sustaining an injury which stopped her from running the Bath Half, Dr Christie decided the Royal Parks run would be the event to aim for, carrying on her training and finishing the Royal Parks run in two hours and 38 minutes.

“I went for long runs, went to the gym, did yoga, all the things you should do in preparation for a long run. Exercise is really helpful when you have diabetes. This won’t be my last, I want to do it again,” added Dr Christie.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported and believed in me. I would like to thank everyone who donated to my fundraising, it has been wonderful and I won’t be stopping yet.”

Diabetes UK has shown its gratitude to Dr Christie for all of her efforts in raising money and awareness of the charity and all of the work it does for people living with diabetes.

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK’s South West Regional Head, said: “We are so proud of Liz for taking on such a big challenge for Diabetes UK and we send a huge congratulations and a massive thank you to her for putting in the months of training and dedication to support us. Liz has raised money to help the four million people living with diabetes – and it isn’t too late to donate money after their incredible effort.

“Liz has assisted us to set up new Diabetes UK groups in Wiltshire. With her professional expertise and personal experience she is an invaluable volunteer who helps us campaign to improve care for Wiltshire people.”