Schoolboy to run 5k every week in memory of mum who died after 'horrific' diabetes battle
Adam Orr, 14, is taking on the challenge in memory of his mum, Pamela, who died at the age of 44 following a "horrific" battle with the disease.
A selfless Scots schoolboy is set to run 5k every week throughout the school holidays in memory of his mum who died after a "horrific" battle with diabetes.
Adam Orr, 14, from Tollcross in Glasgow, will put his best foot forward just a year after losing his beloved mum, Pamela, 44. The mum-of-three passed away on March 22, 2024, following a lengthy struggle with the chronic disease, which progressed from type one to type two.
Adam's dad, Iain, 45, told the Record: "Pamela battled diabetes for years but for the last two years of her life, it was incredibly tough for all of us. We watched her health rapidly decline as the diabetes took over.
"With just over a year since she passed, Adam came to me and told me he wanted to do something in her name and to raise awareness. It's incredibly brave and selfless of him considering it hasn't been long since he lost his mum and I'm very proud of him."
Iain told how Pamela had been "in and out" of hospital for some time prior to her death.
During her illness, she had both of her lower limbs amputated after having diabetic foot complications and ended up having a colostomy due to issues with her stomach.
Sadly, Pamela passed away in hospital after suffering a fatal cardiac arrest.
Adam intends to take on the running challenge in his hope to raise funds and awareness about diabetes, and to encourage others to look after their bodies.
Iain said: "Pamela's health rapidly declined. At one point, we got her home but she ended up being admitted back to hospital again after she became unwell again.
"Sadly, she ended up suffering a fatal cardiac arrest when she was in hospital and we lost her. It was a difficult journey for all of us.
"Adam wants people to take their health seriously. Often, people will dismiss diabetes as being not that bad and they will continue to go about their daily lives.
"Sadly, Pamela paid the price for that. We'd urge people to take warnings seriously - if you are told you are pre-diabetic, please listen to the doctors and do what they tell you to do.
"It's a horrendous disease if you don't manage it, it eats away from your inside and starts breaking your kidneys down. Before you know it, your body is falling apart. That's basically what happened to Pamela.
"If you don't manage diabetes, it will catch up with you and it will batter your body. We don't want that happening to anyone else."
Adam will jog 5k every Friday from July 4 to raise funds for Diabetes Scotland.
Meanwhile, Pamela has been remembered as a "great mum" with "such a big heart".
Iain said: "She was all about her boys and was a great mum. Her life just revolved around her three sons. Pamela had such a huge heart and was always there for her nearest and dearest.
"She was fun to be around and will always be missed. If we can raise just the slightest bit of awareness about this disease, it keeps her legacy alive."
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