Sophie Louwerens is taking part in the upcoming HBF Run for a Reason to raise money for diabetes research.
Camera IconSophie Louwerens is taking part in the upcoming HBF Run for a Reason to raise money for diabetes research. Credit: Supplied/Dominique Menegaldo

Teen set to run for a reason

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 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 later this month.

She has so far raised $1540.

‘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 it last year.’

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

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