<p><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;Calibri&amp;amp;quot;,&amp;amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;amp;quot;; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">January 1st 2012 arrived - another year had come &amp; gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realised before another one flashes by that I must work towards doing something more memorable this year &ndash; something of distinctive note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A worthy challenge would certainly make me look back with pride, to know that I have really achieved something extraordinary and worthwhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So a charity challenge was my immediate thought, but the question was, which charity?</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;Calibri&amp;amp;quot;,&amp;amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;amp;quot;; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was important that the charity I choose be in connection and relevant to my life, especially as I suffer with Type 1 Diabetes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Type 2 Diabetes grabbing all the headlines nowadays, choosing JDRF to support as my charity was an easy choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This charity exists exclusively to research and find the cure for Type 1 diabetes, and its complications - it&rsquo;s one of the world&rsquo;s leading charitable funder for this research.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;Calibri&amp;amp;quot;,&amp;amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;amp;quot;; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Diagnosed with diabetes for 34 years now, I have seen many changes in the methods of treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started with using a glass syringe and metal needles, to what I use nowadays, an insulin pump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to raise funds to contribute towards helping make sure these improvements for diabetes treatment continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel sure that one day the research will lead to the ultimate goal &ndash; a cure!</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;Calibri&amp;amp;quot;,&amp;amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;amp;quot;; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is a huge physical challenge for me, not only my age (a young 47 by the time this kicks off in June) but will also be a monumental test on my diabetes control. The amount of physical exertion and endurance will make this challenge somewhat difficult, but I believe it&rsquo;s not insurmountable &ndash; and I&rsquo;m determined to get to the finish!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having said that, I haven&rsquo;t ridden a bicycle long distance for 28 years, and this particular event is a 230 mile cycle ride, so I had better get cracking on my training!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With great help and support from my family, friends and&nbsp;diabetes specialists, all encouraging me to see this challenge through, I feel certain I will achieve my goal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;Calibri&amp;amp;quot;,&amp;amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;amp;quot;; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Please do help &lsquo;push&rsquo; me along with your support and inspiration &ndash; by pledging your sponsorship will help me go that extra mile </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;Calibri&amp;amp;quot;,&amp;amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;amp;quot;; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thank you - Jeremy</span></p>