My name is Anthony Gerald Hunt, or “Gerry” to my friends. I’m 67 years old, registered blind, partially deaf and I’ve lost feeling in both my legs and feet.  This is all the result of Type 2 diabetes which I was diagnosed with in 1983. You might be thinking, how is he writing this message, well the truth is, I have assistance from St John Ambulance which is the charity I am raising funds for. 

I aim to cycle 26.2 miles on a stationary bike at Sainsbury's in Calcot, Reading on Saturday 5th August 2006 (11am – 1pm) and raise funds towards the new St John Ambulance Theale Division Headquarters which was destroyed in an arson attack.  My daughter, Wendy, is a member of the Division so I hear all about the good work they do when out on duty at various events.  The bike challenge is my way of doing something to support my daughter, her boyfriend and the rest of the division.

I can't emphasize enough what a challenge it is for me and how much your support will mean either financially or by coming along on the day.  I was 44 and quite fit and healthy when I was first diagnosed with diabetes but I didn’t understand the seriousness of the condition. I didn’t take my medication properly and, twenty one years later, I began to suffer the consequences. In 2004 my sight drastically deteriorated along with my other ailments. It was a very low time in my life and I felt unable to come to terms with my sudden disabilities. I had severe depression and tried to take my own life. The local hospital advised me to take up regular exercise so I joined a gym in June 2005 and worked with a personal trainer called Phil Chalmers.

Mainly thanks to Phil’s training, encouragement and support, I now feel much more positive about my life and confident I can achieve my goals.     

Thank you for taking the time to read my fundraising page and hopefully you will want to make a donation. Please help me to support the local St John Ambulance and raise awareness of diabetes.  

Many thanks for your support.

Gerry