Former Nottingham Trent University student Jesse Mooney has run the London Marathon in aid of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Jesse, who also used to play for NTU’s men’s hockey team, has raised more than £2,000 for the diabetic charity.
The former Trent student was one of more than 36,000 people to participate in the 26.2 mile run on Sunday, October 3.
Jesse, who is diabetic himself, told Platform Magazine it was his turn to “give something back” having received plenty of help and support during his life.
He said: “Since being diabetic for a number of years I have had a lot of help and advice from a number of charities.
“I have also had great help from the diabetes teams, allowing me to do anything I’ve put my mind to.
“So I felt it was my turn to give something back and raise some money for the charity helping to improve lives and aiming to eradicate the condition and to help show others that just because you are diabetic doesn’t mean you cannot do things others do.
“Ever since being diagnosed I was told that the better I controlled my diabetes the ether my life would be.
“With the help of advice and guidance from the diabetic teams I’ve been able to travel solo for four months, I’ve been able to attend university and I’ve also been able to play a number of sports regularly and continue to.
NTUMHC Alumni Jesse Mooney is running the London Marathon for a great cause. Any contribution would be hugely appreciated. #MrMoon https://t.co/OyqMUZvgYd
— Nottingham Trent University Mens Hockey Club (@TrentHockey) September 28, 2021
“When first diagnosed it was hard to deal with, however with the work of the research teams and diabetic nurses the technology and knowledge on diabetes is ever-growing and with the new developments it makes it a lot easier to live everyday life.”
Having represented NTU’s men’s hockey team, being a “keen sportsman” made it a relatively easy decision for Jesse to take part in the event whilst fundraising for a charity to “help improve people’s lives.”
He said: “Preparations went well. I only found out late that I had a space due to someone dropping out so I didn’t have as long as I first thought.
“After finishing uni I found it easier to get into a routine of working and training in the evenings which has led me to the race.”
He added: “Luckily I never caught coronavirus, so I never had to stop training due to the side effects of the virus. And with the regulations changing it allowed me to train a lot easier.”
You can donate towards JDRF on Jesse Mooney’s fundraising page here.
Main Photo: Jesse Mooney