Firstly thank you for visiting our page and taking time to read what we are doing and why. First the meaty bit, what ARE we doing! sorry what we are doing....... Fergus and I are taking part in the World Ironman series on June 22nd 2008 in Nice, France. This involves a 3.8km (2.4m) swim, 180km (112m) bike ride and 42.2km (26.2m) marathon all to be consecutively completed in under 16hours. Easy eh!
As you will be aware, until this year I have never run a marathon OR swam this far OR cycled any further than down the canal path to the pub, so quite a challenge this will be. I am assured by my fellow competitor, Fergus, who completed last years Ironman in Sherbourne and who is also taking part, that I will be a tad sore the day or week after. I wish that I shared Fergus' eternal optimism and "it'll be just fine attitude" for our successful completion of the challenge.
We are both completely self funded so all of your kind contributions will go directly to our nominated charity and not to paying for the new bikes, wetsuits, flights, hotels, trainers, outfits, or funny food that athletes (yeah, athletes that now includes us!) have to eat. All of this we have already paid for.
The Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation specialise not only in trying to find a cure but also in supporting families who have an insulin dependant member. Knowing that you can speak to someone about why and how things will change is vital to making life seem as normal as possible for all involved.
We live in hope of a cure being found at best or at least making life as normal as possible for sufferers and their families. I tell you this as my father has suffered with type 1 Diabetes since his 30's (now 64) and I have seen first hand how difficult this has been to deal with, not only as a sufferer but also as a close family member or friend. Type 1 diabetes does not discriminate as to who it affects, it could easily strike any of us regardless of lifestyle or age. Also in the long-term, poorly controlled blood sugar is a major threat to health, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage and blindness. Indeed many of these issues commonly affect long term sufferers. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. Any donation small or large is massively appreciated and will mean a great deal to all involved, we will also make sure you get a note on how we do sometime after the 22nd June. Many thanks for your support, this one’s for you Dad!! Mark and Fergus
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