James Norton has been flooded with support after sharing "incredible news" about his upcoming challenge of running the London Marathon.
The Happy Valley star, 40, announced that he will take on the race on 26 April to raise money and awareness for diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D, which funds research into new therapies and treatments for those living with Type 1 diabetes.
James, who has the condition and has often spoken about how he manages it alongside his career, took to Instagram to share the update.
© InstagramJames announces exciting news
Speaking to the camera, the Grantchester actor began: "I have some really wonderful news to share, which I'm thrilled about."
Explaining his fundraising efforts, James 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."
The Little Women star went on to explain that both Breakthrough T1D and the Bukhman Foundation are working towards finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes, something close to his heart as both his mother and sister also live with the condition.
"It's a really horrible condition," he said. "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."
James also praised the Bukhman Foundation's wider work improving access and celebrating the arts, before thanking those who had already donated.
© Mike Marsland/WireImage"So thank you and think of us all on the 26th of April. Cheers!" he signed off with a smile.
James is flooded with support
James was quickly met with an outpouring of support from friends and followers, with many praising his efforts.
"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," penned one person, while another wrote: "This is wonderful. Thank you James for all you do to raise awareness."
A third added: "You are a legend… adored and admired by all." Meanwhile, BBC broadcaster Zoe Ball commented: "Go on, James, this is fantastic. Will get donating. Enjoy the big day," while TV presenter Julia Bradbury added: "Amazing!"
James's journey with diabetes
James has long been an advocate for raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes, which he shares with his mum, Lavinia, and younger sister, Jessica.
According to the NHS, Type 1 diabetes is a condition where your body cannot make enough of the insulin hormone, which causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to get too high. Meanwhile, Type 2 is when insulin does not work properly or there is not enough of it.
© Getty ImagesIn 2023, James spoke about managing the condition while performing on stage for nearly four hours as Jude in A Little Life. Alongside the "physical and emotional drain" of the role, he had systems in place to monitor his blood sugar levels.
"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 told the BBC.
The sold-out show ran for 18 weeks, and James later reflected: "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."
