In 2014 one of my school friends was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and his life could have been in danger. This really shocked my school friends and I. I hadn't appreciated that the condition could be life threatening, but also the upheaval this causes for a fit, active young child. As well as the self-administered insulin injections, blood sugar levels have to be monitored up to 10 times a day. Any deviation from procedure and the consequences can be severe. 

Every year at Maidwell Hall there is a "leavers walk" which is used to raise money for a selected charity. This year, we have decided to raise money for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund) to support our friend and other children who suffer from the condition (or may be sufferers without knowing it). The aim is to raise sufficient funds so that it can be allocated into a particular project or area of research which will help children with Diabetes in the future. The charity has specifically agreed that 100% of the funds raised will be channeled into this research which is fantastic,

The walk itself is actually more than just a walk. Its a gruelling four day trek covering some of the most mountainous terrain in the UK (Snowdonia). It will cover around 40 miles, 8 mountains and will be fully unsupported (i.e. we will carry full provisions to last the duration of the trek...food, water, cooker, tent, sleeping bag etc). The ruck sacks will weigh about 20 kgs. To put this into context 20 kgs is the typical luggage limit for most economy flights. We all know how heavy that is when we put the suitcase in the car or on the weighing scales at the airport...but imagine putting that on your back for the whole day and then climbing 8 mountains??

We have invited our parents to share their pain (and glory?) by joining the trek. The latest count is that there will be 11 dads, two mums, 11 boys, 2 girls, and the Maidwell Headmaster.

I have set a personal target of raising £2,350 for JDRF but I would be delighted to exceed it!. 

Thanks you in advance for your kind donation, however large or small. After the event we'll share some pics after the event of some incredibly fit and courageous children and some incredibly knackered looking, bedraggled, oxygen starved parents.