SPECIALIST diabetes nurses from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board decided to get pretty to increase a charity’s kitty after one of their colleagues beat breast cancer.

They donned tutus, team t-shirts and tackled the Pretty Mudder event in Sefton Park, Liverpool, to raise money for Cancer Research as part of the Race For Life charity push.

The specialist nurses, who all work as part of the board’s diabetic service, were showing their gratitude for the treatment and recovery of their friend - diabetes specialist nurse, Gill Pullford.

With a total approaching £3,000, they were delighted with their efforts, and toasted their success with cake and prosecco on the finish line.

Gill, whose work supports the Conwy GP cluster, was diagnosed with cancer in October 2022.

She said it was a “traumatic” experience after finding a lump in her breast herself.

Although treatment was successful, she said coming back to work might have been beyond her without her colleagues' help.

“I couldn’t work for a more supportive team,” she said.

“I couldn’t have come back to work without my colleagues – it really knocked me for six. I needed a lot of support and got that. I’m fine now and back at work.”

She also revealed her colleagues, from the central and west areas of the health board, did Race For Life last year – but she fancied something “a bit muddier” this time around.

So, they decided on Tough Mudder’s more glamorous version, Pretty Mudder.

Diabetes nurse consultant Julie Roberts was part of the group supporting Gill around the course, which took about an hour-and-a-half to complete.

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“We did it because one of our team members, Gill, had breast cancer,” said Julie.

“It was absolutely hilarious. It was such good fun and an amazing atmosphere - clambering through the mud and over inflatable obstacles wearing Race for Life t-shirts and tutus.

“At one point, I thought: ‘What the hell are we doing?’, but it was brilliant fun – and it was raising money for breast cancer research.”

Gill, who came to work in North Wales in 2007 and has worked for the health board since 2016, even promised a repeat performance.

“We’ll be doing it again next year,” she said.

“I think it’s going to be an annual event for us.”

Diabetes specialist teams offer a range of services from preventative strategies to specialist clinics.

They provide constant education, support and acute inpatient care if needed.

The teams focus on empowering patients to manage their diabetes, especially during periods of illness.

They give advice, support and discuss treatment options during milestones throughout a patient’s journey, such as during pregnancy, or while attending university and being away from home.

Diabetes specialist nurses try to ensure patients receive the best care possible, including adopting the latest technology to help support and reduce the risk of long term complications.