Dave (me), Elaine, Des and my son Joe are walking up Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, in the dark on 22nd June to raise money for JDRF UK. Yes, in the dark! As the Lake District is know for it's changeable weather there are also no guarantees this will be a warm, dry experience.

My involvement with Type 1 diabetes started in over 40 years ago when I was 3 and my antibodies decided that the insulin producing cells in my pancreas were the enemy. This bad decision by them led to me needing to inject insulin every day since then and regularly stab my fingers to take blood to check how much my blood sugars are behaving. 

Although it's a 'hidden illness' the number of factors influencing my blood sugars, over 42 at the last count, mean it's a 24 hour battle to keep my blood glucose levels in the safe zone. This is key to reducing the risk of complications in years to come. These can include blindness, amputation, kidney damage and heart disease. All things we're keen I avoid for obvious reasons.

JDRF are committed to eradicating Type 1 diabetes and its effects for everyone in the UK with Type 1, and at risk of developing it. They are working hard towards a day when there is no more Type 1. They fund world-class research approved and administered by their international research programme to cure, treat and prevent Type 1 Diabetes.

I like JDRF's aims. A lot. I hope that with your help we can help them achieve their aim of removing type 1 diabetes from the lives of so many adults and children of all ages. 

My sister, brother-in law and son have very kindly volunteered to do the challenge with me and we would be grateful for any spare pound you can donate to the cause. No donation is too small, or too large!

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