Thank you for visiting this page!

We have decided to support the Diabetes UK charity because it is the leading UK charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes.  They also undertake important research into the causes of, and potential cures for diabetes.

We consist of Richard Hindle, Parth Narendran, John Gannon, Sam Payne, Damian Webb, and Rob Andrews. Click 'Read more of my story' for our individual profiles

 

 

 

 

 

1) Richard Hindle. Richard is a keen swimmer and triathlete whose Father-in-Law has recently been diagnosed with diabetes and so this relay seemed an ideal opportunity to take on a new sporting challenge, whilst raising money for this worthwhile cause.

2) Parth Narendran. Parth works in the diabetes department at University Hospital Birmingham and at the University of Birmingham, and has seen how this disease can affect the lives of both the young and old. He has a number of family members with diabetes. In the past, Diabetes UK has supported his research into understanding the causes of diabetes. With Rob, he is currently conducting the largest trial of exercise in type 1 diabetes in the UK to understand if and how exercise can benefit people with this condition.

3) John Gannon. John isn’t a very good swimmer and has a dislike for coldwater; so when Parth suggested swimming the English Channel without a wetsuit the temptation was irresistible. On a more serious note though, through a close family friend who suffers from type 1 diabetes, he is aware of the severe problems the condition can cause and is therefore pleased to be able to support the work of Diabetes UK. 

4) Sam Payne. Sam is from Birmingham and a keen sportsman although dodgy knees and a young family have limited his recent activities. Sam was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in the summer of 2009 at an unusually ripe age and is determined first that it will not restrict his activities (hence this massive challenge) and also to help raise funds and awareness so that type 1 and 2 diabetics have better care and prospects

5) Damian Webb. Damian fancies himself as a bit of swimmer and could not resist showing off his 50m badge from c25 years ago. He is terrified of sharks and swimming in the dark. Consequently he is hopeful the rest of the team have put in sufficient practice to avoid the latter.

As a number of close friends have recently been diagnosed with diabetes he is keen to support the cause.

6) Rob Andrews. Rob works in the diabetes department at Musgrove Park hospital Taunton and at the University of Bristol. He has a number of close friends who have Type 1 diabetes and has seen how this affects their lives. In the past, Diabetes UK has supported his research into understanding how diet and exercise can help people with Type 2 diabetes. With Parth he is currently conducting the largest trial of exercise in type 1 diabetes in the UK to understand how exercise can benefit people with this condition.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thank you

Damian, John, Parth, Richard, Rob and Sam