Alexandria Wyckoff
James Norton is sharing his Type-1 diabetes with the world in a new way.
The actor has decided to run the London Marathon on April 26th to help raise money and awareness for the diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D. The charity funds research into therapies and treatments for those dealing with Type-1 diabetes.
Partnering with the Bukhman Foundation
While Norton’s decision to run the marathon for Breakthrough T1D was exciting in its own right, he recently shared some more exciting news about the venture.
He shared a video on Instagram, starting with “I have some really wonderful news to share, which I’m thrilled about.”
After explaining his decision to run the marathon to raise money for the charity, James Norton continued, “I’ve just found out that the Bukhman Foundation, a foundation run by Anastasia and Igor Bukhman, have pledged to double match everything that I raise on my JustGiving page, which is insane. So if you give a tenner, they’ll add £20 to that donation, which is incredibly generous and will mean we can actually raise a significant amount of money.”
Norton went on to share that both Breakthrough T1D and the Bukhman Foundation are trying to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. This is especially important to the actor, as his mother, his sister, and he live with the condition.
He also shared his struggles with Type-1. “It’s a really horrible condition. It’s quiet and people don’t really notice it because you just get on with managing it. But the day-to-day management of it is a real bind. It interrupts your sleep and it’s an emotional rollercoaster and it will just be really wonderful for all Type 1s to not have it.”
He finished by saying, “So thank you and think of us all on the 26th of April. Cheers!”
Support for Norton
After James Norton posted his announcement on Instagram, a huge outpouring of support came in from friends and followers.
One commenter wrote, “Bravo, this is absolutely incredible!!! @jginorton you don’t just talk the talk, you walk the walk as well – and now you even run it. Truly extraordinary.”
BBC broadcaster Zoe Ball commented, “Go on, James, this is fantastic. Will get donating. Enjoy the big day.”
Journey with Type-1
James Norton has long been an advocate for Type 1, a condition he shares with his mother, Lavinia, and younger sister, Jessica. Type-1 diabetes is when your body cannot make enough insulin, which controls the levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood, according to the NHS.
In 2023, James Norton spoke about his experiences with Type 1 and managing the condition while performing as Jude in A Little Life for almost four hours. Dealing with the “physical and emotional drain” of the role wasn’t the only thing he had to worry about.
He shared with BBC, “I will have sugar tablets at places [on set] where I need them, if I need them, and hopefully I won’t need them. I’ve got one in the wheelchair and there’s one in the kitchen.”
He later shared, “If you’d asked me six months ago whether I’d be able to do a three-and-a-half-hour play as a diabetic, I’d have been really scared. I’m so proud that I’ve been able to prove to myself and other Type 1 diabetics that I’m able to do that.”
Preparing for a Marathon
Performing on stage for nearly four hours isn’t the only obstacle James Norton has had to overcome with Type 1.
During a special episode of the Runner’s World podcast, the actor shared his training regimen while preparing for his first London Marathon. Norton uses a blend of different strategies. Since his blood sugar levels require constant monitoring, Norton has created a system for managing carb intake during his preparation workouts.
The actor is also using new diabetes technology during his run, and is mainly focusing on finishing the race rather than speeding across the finish line.
The true focus? Raising funds for Breakthrough T1D.