Sophie Louwerens trains for Run for a Reason.d399800
Camera IconSophie Louwerens trains for Run for a Reason.d399800 Credit: Supplied/Dominique Menegaldo

Running for reason close to her heart

Staff ReporterEastern Reporter

‘I wasn’t eating and had been quite sick before I got diagnosed,’ Sophie said.

‘I remember being very confused. I wasn’t sure what it meant.’

Now 15 years old, Sophie said she had learned how to manage the disease and her medication independently.

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‘When I was younger I couldn’t go to sleepovers, but now that I can manage it myself it |doesn’t stop me,’ she said.

The Mt Lawley Senior High School student is doing her bit to raise money towards diabetes research by joining in the 12km Run for A Reason next month.

She has so far raised $1540, placing her eighth on the individual fundraising leader board.

‘My uncle helped by asking his birthday guests to donate to my run instead of giving gifts. That raised about $840,’ she said.

‘I didn’t think that I would reach my $1000 target. It is the first year I have done the run. One of my friends encouraged me to get involved after she did last year.’

Sophie said she hoped to continue her interest in health care after she finished school.

‘I want to become a nurse,’ she said.

‘I haven’t decided whether I want to work in diabetes care yet as there are so many things you can do.’