It came as something of a shock when I was diagnosed as having type 1 diabetes in 2008 at the age of 45. Having always been relatively fit and healthy, I had little idea of the impact the disease would have on me. Type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle: my body still breaks down carbohydrate from food and drink and turns it into glucose but, when the glucose enters my bloodstream, there’s no insulin to allow it into my body’s cells. Instead, the glucose builds up in my blood stream and the ensuing high blood sugar levels can damage heart, eyes, feet and kidneys.

I soon learned how important it was to control my blood sugar levels and, thanks to the NHS, I was given the tools to do just that. Like all others with  type 1, I started the regime of testing my sugar levels 5 or 6 times a day and injecting insulin before every meal and before bed. I was told that it was poor control of diabetes that causes the complications, not diabetes itself: I saw that as a challenge!

Fortunately, I have been able to continue with many of the activities I used to. I have blood checks and meetings with the nurse every six months and my blood sugar levels (as measured by the all-important HB1AC) remain good. This means I can continue to run the occasional half marathon, put plenty of miles in on my bike and spend time walking out in the hills. I am even able enjoy a few drinks on a night out. I have, however, finished with playing football although that was more to do with declining (or lack of) ability rather than diabetes.

Following me turning 60 in 2022 and having already undertaken a few long distance challenge walks, I fancied a go at the ‘legendary’ LEJOG – Land’s End to John o' Groats. I didn’t want to just walk down the roads so have picked out a route that takes in the South-West Coast Path, Offa’s Dyke, Pennine Way, West Highland Way and Great Glen Way, with various others along the journey – a total of 1195 miles, averaging over 20 miles a day (not including the numerous times I will get lost.)

I’ve given myself two months to complete this and will be utilising a motorhome that will pick me up each evening and drop me back off there the next morning. I am indebted to my lucky wife Suzanne and good friend Phil Evans, who will be taking it in turns to do the driving and ease my aching limbs, although I haven’t mentioned that last bit to Phil.

I have these particular objectives for the walk:

1. To demonstrate to anyone with a prognosis of diabetes, particularly those diagnosed whilst still young, that the disease does not mean that you can’t live a full, active and long life. You have to take it seriously and you may have to make some adjustments: you certainly have to make sure you review your readings and understand how to react to them. However, that that can be done more and more easily with new technology
2. To raise awareness of diabetes amongst the general public and highlight that developing the disease is not necessarily anyone’s ‘fault’
3. Raise as much money as possible to support research into the condition and to allow more people living with diabetes to benefit from the incredible new technology that can make managing blood sugar levels even easier

I need your assistance in achieving all these objectives. Any financial contributions you can make via this page will be gratefully appreciated but, in particular, I would welcome you spreading the word about my trek on whatever platforms you use. To help in this regard, I will be keeping a daily blog of my progress that you can find at https://energeticdiabetic.blogspot.com/

Thanks for taking the time to read my page and, hopefully, for your support. 

I start on 26 March… wish me luck.