A WARRINGTON paediatric diabetes team is pedalling the equivalent of Lymm to John O’Groats- 500 miles, to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.
The team-of-five from Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, includes diabetes specialist nurses, Lucy Unsworth and Claire Brookes, as well as dietitian Emma Armstrong and consultants Dr Anil Gopalakrishna and Dr Satish Hulikere. They’re taking their fitness up a gear this month by taking on the UK Wide Cycle Ride virtual challenge to support young people with diabetes.
Claire, 41, who works at Warrington Hospital, said: “Young people and children living with diabetes, as well as their families, have to cope with a lot and especially over the past year. From diagnosis and finding out what diabetes is, to learning to manage the condition each day, our young people and their families are amazing and we wanted to do this for them.”
The team, who have called themselves the Warrington Wheelers, have so far completed more than 300 miles, covering the distance along local routes including a ride from Victoria Park in Warrington to Dunham Massey along the Trans Pennine Trail.
Lucy, 41, added: “It’s been a lot of fun as well as a challenge- especially for those of us who haven’t been on a bike for many years. We’ve been covering the distance where we can between shifts and have also managed to do some bike rides together- although we have got lost a few times!
“We’ve already raised over £500. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone for their support- it’s really spurred us on.”
Clare Howarth, head of the North of England at Diabetes UK said: “We are delighted that the Warrington Wheelers are taking on this cycling challenge for Diabetes UK. Every mile that they cover on their bike brings us closer to our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.
“During the past year, demand for our services has reached unprecedented levels. People with diabetes need us now, and so we need your support to be able to continue fighting. So please, sign up and get pedalling – your support can change lives.”
There are an estimated 4.8 million people living with diabetes in the UK.
People taking on the UK Wide Cycle Ride can pick from one of five distances, ranging from 120 miles for beginners through to 950 miles for more experienced cyclists, and have the entire month to clock up the mileage.
To sponsor the Warrington Wheelers visit: https://cycle.diabetes.org.uk/fundraising/warrington-wheelers
