My Story
I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when I was very young, after becoming ill while staying with my aunt. I ended up in hospital, attached to a drip, learning that everyday life would now involve injections, blood sugar checks, working out food and a level of responsibility most children never have to think about. Some of my clearest memories from that time are strangely ordinary: my dad bringing me potato wedges, learning to tie my shoelaces on the ward and my mom refusing to leave my side.
Diabetes was not completely unfamiliar in my family. My grandad had Type 2 diabetes and my cousin later was diagnosed with Type 1. Even so, being diagnosed myself changed everything. It became a constant presence through childhood, adolescence and adulthood, coming with me through school, relationships, studio sessions, touring, performances and the unpredictable rhythm of being an artist.
There have been frightening moments, hypos, exhaustion, frustrations with sensors and the mental weight of making hundreds of health decisions every day. I do not see diabetes as the whole of my story, but it has shaped my resilience, discipline and awareness of my body. It has taught me that ambition means very little if I am not healthy and present enough to enjoy life.
I’m doing this to show the kids who might be going through the same thing I did, that you can do and be whatever you want and don’t be afraid!
My Achievements
Self Donated
Added a Picture
Posted an Update
Shared Page
10 Donations!
Thanked Supporters
£25 Raised
£50 Raised
£150 Raised
£250 Raised
50% Raised
100% Raised
My Updates
Moving the goalposts!
Sunday 13th SepShare@tarjulesano From syringes at 5 years old to a closed-loop insulin pump today. 🩸➡️📲 Living with Type 1 diabetes has changed massively since I was diagnosed as a kid. I’ve watched the technology evolve from vials and syringes, to insulin pens, glucose sensors and now a pump system that has genuinely helped transform how I manage my diabetes. That progress is exactly why diabetes research, treatment and support matters. Earlier this week, I announced that I’ll be walking 10 miles on September 27th for the Diabetes UK Wellness Walk, with an initial fundraising target of £500. Two days later… you lot smashed it. 😭❤️ The donations are still coming in, people are reaching out to join the walk, and the support has been incredible. So we’re moving the goalposts. 🎯 NEW TARGET: £2,000 If £500 can disappear that quickly, let’s see how far we can push this. Every donation helps Diabetes UK continue supporting people living with diabetes and funding work towards better treatment, technology, care and research. Donate. Join me. Share it. Tell somebody. September 27th. 10 miles. £2,000. Let’s get it. 🚶🏽♂️❤️ Link in bio 🔗 #Type1Diabetes #T1D #DiabetesUK @Diabetes UK #DiabetesAwareness #DiabetesResearch
♬ original sound - TheDigbethKid 🇳🇬🇬🇾🇯🇲
Thank you to my Sponsors
£265.88
Matt P
£109.25
Richard M
Have a great day.
£100
Chrissy
Hope you will be able to meet the target. Well done for doing the walk xxx
£66.45
Tim Godwin
Great cause. Proud of you XXX
£55.88
Jenny Jones
Good job! We love you lots, Auntie Jen, Ogo, Nwando & Chude xxx
£50
Hannah Watson
Good luck Tarju!! Love Hannah and Ryan xxx
£40
Kaitlyn Williams
£33.83
Julie P
Well done Nyko! Great cause
£33.83
Amaka Okafor
Go my beautiful bro!!! Love you big 💪🏾❤️
£28.44
Carolyn Maloney
I pray that it goes well. Wel done for doing this.
£28.44
Pauline Davy
All the best Nyko ❤️
£28.44
Jerry Latty
£25
Max Lawrence
Don’t chat to me now are you dumb? Never forget, you done a 10 mile run
£25
James Creswick
£25
Your Fiancé
I’m so proud of you & I love you so much ❤️
£25
Wendy Peddie
Way to go Nyko, very inspirational, good luck with the walk!!
£25
Dougie Ble$$
get on son
£23.45
Malcom Reid
I have always said, “ you can’t keep a good man down.” Go for it Nyko!
£23.45
Connor Schofield
£23.45
Lucy, Dean And Girls Xx
Brilliant cause, good luck xx
£20
Ali Goodman
Brilliant cause. Just lost my Mum to Diabetes so well done for making a difference x
£20
Chantel (amy)
Hope the walk went well, here’s a post walk donation. Such a needed cause!
£17.89
Siobhann Williams
£12.25
Helen
Well done Tarju Good luck
£12.25
Tarik
Nuff respect Tarj!
£12.25
Carol Lashleybobb
Good luck Nyko. Proud of you x
£12.25
Anonymous
I'm a friend / neighbour of your Mum's, and my family's been affected by diabetes too. So all the very best!
£12.01
Reiss Dendie
BIG PROUD! KING!
£10
Sohaib Oppal
Good luck on your walk bro.
£10
Rhexis
Love you bro.
£10
Lindsay Smith
£10
Anonymous
All the best love and peace…
£10
Anonymous
Good Luck on Sunday!
£10
Chalkpit
Go get it Tarju! Inspiration 🔥
£10
Kam
Good luck!
£6.56
Alex Naz
£6.44
Shoshanna & Tom Albrighton
£5
Fiorenza Hall
Well done Tarju, such a great initiative!!
