Gold Coast student Brittany McEvoy proves she can do anything with Type 1 diabetes

Brittany McEvoy has ticked off a bucket list item only few get to do and she did it with Type 1 diabetes.

BRITTANY McEvoy has ticked off a bucket list item only not everyone does – run in a marathon – and she did it with Type 1 diabetes.

The Isle of Capri student has been nominated in our Harvey Norman Women of the Year awards for her positive attitude and resilience.

Ms McEvoy, 23, was diagnosed with the chronic health condition three years ago and said it was a surprise as she’d always been physically fit and healthy.

“It was really confusing with my background as an athlete, as my health has always been quite good,” she said.

“I was really fit, working out a lot, eating really good. I thought ‘this can’t be true’.

“I went through the whole ‘why me?’ phase and had an identity crisis. It was a big rollercoaster of emotions.”

Britt McEvoy. Photo: Jerad Williams

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Ms McEvoy said support from her family and finding an online community of Type 1 diabetics across the globe helped pull her through those first few months.

“I’m fortunate enough to have such a beautiful family. We’re quite resilient, we’ve been through a lot.

“Another huge component was Instagram. What happened when I was in hospital I looked up Type 1 diabetes on Instagram. That inspired me to create my own account, and I’ve been documenting my journey ever since.”

It was Instagram that sparked Ms McEvoy’s plan to run in the New York Marathon in 2018 as part of a diabetics charity and support group.

“I saw this girl I followed (on Instagram) who ran the marathon for the American team. I thought ‘that’s ridiculous. I can barely go for a three-minute run without being concerned about my blood sugar’.

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Britt McEvoy is a Women of the Year nominee. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I reached out to her and a few months later applications were closing to run as part of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) organisation.

“I applied, I got accepted. I think just the fact I was given an opportunity made me want to do it.”

Ms McEvoy said it was important for other women to own their healthy journey to help others realise they’re not alone.

“My best advice is to be unafraid to open up about your own personal journey. A lot of people are more empathetic and understanding than you think,” she said.

“I love it when I’m wearing a diabetes shirt and someone sparks a conversation with me.”

Do you know an inspiring woman helping to make a difference in the community? Nominate her at womenoftheyear.com.au