In 2018 I raised money for Diabetes UK by paddling 23 miles across the English Channel. In 2019 I paddled 57 miles, as a participant in the Great Glen race across Scotland between Fort William and Inverness. This year I planned to take the challenge closer to my roots (I grew up on the west coast of Cumbria, in Seascale), by paddling over 100 miles across (from one end to the other and back) all the lakes of the English Lake District.

The original plan was to benefit from more daylight, by starting this challenge on mid-summers day, and finishing the following day. With the current travel limitations due to Covid-19, the date of the challenge has been delayed, and I'll make the attempt later this year, or in 2021 (depending upon when it's appropriate to travel).

To keep the spirit of the original challenge alive, I'll be doing a 50 mile paddle on the Ohio River on mid-summers day (June 20th) from Neville, Ohio to Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Diabetes UK funds pioneering, world-class research into all forms of diabetes and its complications. The results of this research can improve the lives of people with diabetes all over the globe. 

More importantly to me, it's a great organization which has helped and supported my niece Megan over the years. Megan is amazing and has type 1 diabetes. As a teenager, she went to a Diabetes UK youth group and spent several weekends away at residential outdoor activity centres with other young people with diabetes. She has also used their helpline to get medical advice to help her control her blood sugars. And research sponsored by Diabetes UK, helped to develop new insulin pumps that have made Megan's daily experience better. There is even more amazing research underway including trying to develop a closed loop control system which would act as an artificial pancreas. Very cool!

Thank you for your donation on the occasion of this latest challenge. 100 miles is by far the furthest I'll have paddled and I appreciate all the support.