Diabetes no barrier to talented soccer star fulfilling his dream

A YOUNG man from Clonmellon who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager is finally getting the chance to achieve his childhood dream of playing football for Ireland.

Mark Radford (25) has been selected to be a part the first ever diabetes team that will represent Ireland in the DiaEuro European Futsal (indoor) football championships in Ukraine this summer. Dad of one, Mark is excited for his lifelong ambition to become a reality. 

"I was diagnosed with diabetes in secondary school when I was 15. My face began to get drawn in, I was losing a lot of weight and going to the toilet every half an hour. I was having mood swings, I was tired and would get angry easily. My older brother had diabetes so my Mam recognised the symptoms and brought me to the hospital where I got my diagnosis."

Coming to terms with having a lifelong, at times debilitating condition at such a young age was difficult to cope with according to the footballer.

"It was scary. I had a fear of injections and needles but I just had to get used to it. It was very tough when I was at school and all of my friends could just do what they wanted when I had to check my blood sugars every few hours, take injections and watch my diet.”

 

Mark is looking forward to taking part in DiaEuro European football championships in Ukraine

Despite diabetes taking its toll on his health, Mark insists he was never going to give up the sport he loved.

"Since I could walk or talk I have always dreamed of playing for Ireland and representing my country and I never got a chance to do that. Now to finally get an opportunity with the diabetes team is amazing. I'm still going to be wearing the Irish jersey on my back, I will be playing for my country. 

"I have been playing football since before I can remember. That's one thing I knew that wouldn't change, I was never going to let it get in the way of something I love so much."
The idea for the team came from Dubliner Cathal Fleming who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago at 36. An avid football fan and player he noticed there was no Irish Diabetic football team so decided to set up his own. 

As well as getting to realise his dream, joining the team has also offered the Clonmellon man a support network.

"We can all talk to each other. It's a good way to get out and interact with other people who are going through the same things as you. We can give each other feedback and advice."

The keen footballer is proud to be representing Ireland 

Mark is looking forward to taking part in the major footballing event after a couple of challenging years that saw him suffer three Diabetic Ketoacidoses (DKA), potentially life-threatening complications of diabetes that resulted in him fighting for his life in intensive care.

"I've had three DKAs in the last two years. I wasn't looking after myself and it got to the point that my body was just breaking down. The doctors said I was very lucky because for someone to have three in two years is very worrying. It can leave lasting damage to your organs."

 Mark says that he couldn't be prouder to represent Ireland in Ukraine but feels disappointed that there is not more support or appreciation for the team.

"Not a lot of people give you recognition for it because it's not mainstream it's not appreciated as much. But football is football, your aim is to score a goal and win a match.  It's a huge step for me and I'm very proud."

DiaEuro Ireland is being assisted by Diabetes Ireland but receives no funding from any sporting body and is relying on sponsors and donations to raise the €16,000 to finance their trip. If you would like to donate or get involved contact hello@diaeuro.ie