High and low blood sugars have always formed an extensive part of my life, hence the headline title! 

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on the 28^th November 1956 at the age of just 2 years and I have recently passed my 60^th year of living with the condition. I have seen many significant changes over the years, particularly since the 1980s/90s, but Type 1 diabetes remains an invisible and complex condition which is often challenging and frustrating for people. For some, this condition can also lead to devastating complications. If you would like to know more about Type 1, I encourage you to look at – www.jdrf.org/about/fact-sheets/type-1-diabetes-facts/ 

I have chosen to celebrate my ‘60^th Diaversary’ by initiating and taking part in the “Highest Trek in Peru Challenge” in the beautiful Andean mountains in Peru. My reason for taking on this challenge is fourfold:

1)To raise as much money as possible for JDRF – the Type 1 diabetes charity - to support their fantastic research work. See https://jdrf.org.uk/. 

2)To send out a positive message to people who live with Type 1 diabetes and their families.

3)To say thank you to all the wonderful people who have looked after and supported me so well over the years

4)To celebrate being so fit and well after 60 years of Type 1!

On the 11^th June, the team of 12 of us will leave Gatwick to fly via Lima to Cusco. Our team will then spend as much time as possible acclimatising to the altitude before the serious trekking begins.  Part
of our acclimatisation will include Machu Picchu to walk amongst and see all the amazing sights there. The highest part of the trek will be walking over the Palomino Pass at 5,200M or 17,056ft and we will also be trekking to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) at 5,100m or 16,732ft. This will be a most beautiful but very challenging trek, particularly for those with Type 1 as the exercise, altitude, temperature, unusual foods will affect the delicate balance we will need to maintain. However, I am most excited about this trek and am training hard to ensure that I will be as well prepared as I can be.

I have set myself an ambitious target of raising over £10,000 for this leading research charity so please help me to reach this goal. Please be as generous as possible but even small donations are much appreciated and soon add up. I would also be most grateful if you could all share this page with family, friends and colleagues.  

Rest assured, all money raised for this trek, will be donated to the JDRF UK charity.  All personal costs (e.g. travel, accommodation, guides, food, tips, equipment etc.) will be paid for, in full, by me. 

Many thanks to you all!   Pete.