In loving memory of Sam... a family puts its best foot forward

SAM SINCLAIR dreamed of being a police officer, but her dream never became a reality.

Sam, 19, died a year after developing type 1 diabetes.

The York teenager was rushed to hospital after suffering from a pulmonary embolism – a blockage of the main artery of the lung – as a result of the diabetes not being diagnosed and treated in time.

Sadly, the embolism led to a heart attack which left Sam in a coma for three days before she died.

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"Sam's death came as such a shock – she was a healthy vibrant young woman with her whole life ahead of her," said Sam's mother Tania.

"She dreamt of being a police officer, and shortly before she died had been for an interview to become a Community Support Officer. Just a fortnight after her tragic death, I found out she had been successful in her application."

Since Sam's death, Tania and family now hope to save the lives of other young people by raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes and the condition's symptoms.

A Samantha Sinclair Tribute Fund has been set up by the family; donations can be made by contacting the Diabetes UK Supporter Development Team on 020 7424 1849.

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And the family is aiming to raise 2,500 by competing in the Bupa Great North Run in September. Tania, 51, and son Scott, 20, Sam's twin, have just started training for the run on September 19.

Family members aunt Shiree Ciani, 54, uncle John Soanes, 42, and cousin Kirsty Soanes, 27, will join Tania and Scott in the 13-mile slog, and younger cousins, Courtney, 16 and Kayley Soanes, 14, will take part in the Junior Run.

"In Type 1 diabetes the signs and symptoms will usually develop quickly, usually over a few weeks and include increased thirst, urinating all the time (especially at night), extreme tiredness, weight loss and blurred vision," said Diabetes UK Care Advisor Libby Dowling. "If anyone has any of these symptoms they should seek medical help immediately as early diagnosis is crucial in reducing the risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be fatal," she added.

Lisa Stafford, Diabetes UK Northern and Yorkshire regional fundraising officer, said: "The united determination of Tania and her family is inspirational. Together the family hope to raise around 2,500 for Diabetes UK which will help us help the 30,000 or so people with diabetes in York and North Yorkshire.

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"If you have been moved by Sam's story, and are inspired to join the fight against diabetes, then apply for one of the limited Bupa Great North Run charity places.

"Running for us means we can continue to fund vital research and improve the lives of people with diabetes across the Northern and Yorkshire region."

n If you are keen and interested in making a difference, contact Lisa Stafford on 01325 488606 or email lisa.stafford@ diabetes.org.uk for further information and to secure your place in the Diabetes UK Bupa Great North Run team. For more information on the Bupa Great North Run, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/gnr

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes develops if the body is unable to produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually appears before the age of 40 and is the least common of the two main types and accounts for about 10 per cent of all people with diabetes.

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Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, it is not known why it develops and it is not connected with being overweight. People with Type 1 diabetes have to take insulin either by injections or a pump several times a day to stay alive.