Brian Whiteside, brother Martin Whiteside, and  brother in law Andrew Browne, are taking on this challenge to raise awareness of Diabetes, and  how we hope to spread the word, to help in research for the future.

We will have a support team with us, Bob & Dot Whiteside and family friend Peter Hollick , with his Motor Home, luxury!!!:)

Bob Whiteside,  (Martin and Brian's Dad) had been a Type 1 Diabetic for 40 years.  Back in the 1970's it evolved round glass syringes, and having to boil them every day to get them sterilise. Then the disposable needles arrived, and it was brilliant, as no need to sterilise any more, and finally he had an EpiPen, how research for diabetics has moved on.

So much so, that in May 2007, Bob has had a Pancreas and Kidney Transplant. 

Bob attend Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, Berkshire,  from the early 1970's,  and after a five year break of hospitals, 2001 - 2006, he attended Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, and then he went back to attending Royal Berkshire Hospital again, after moving back to Bracknell.

Bob was under Oxford Hospitals, John Radcliffe, and the Churchfields, for his Transplant on 9th May 2007, and aftercare. Although he  is now no longer  on insulin , his condition is now known as a Diabetic, treated with a pancreas transplant, (and also had a kidney at the same time).

The transplant has given Bob a new lease of life, and his '7' grandchildren keep him busy, and are a big part of his new life.

The care of Diabetics, is very important, and can be a very challenging one, for doctors and patients alone. 

There are so many factors involved, keeping your blood sugars level, through insulin, and testing your sugar levels, before food, all to be monitored along with blood pressure, so as to help yourself know what your body is doing, and also  doctors and consultants when you have your clinic appointments, as you may need your medication tweeted.

There would be diet control, and seeing the hospital dietitian for advice. But what works on day, or week, may not be the same for the next day. It can be quite a balancing challenge.

We are all incredibly grateful for all the work and care, provided by all the hospitals, Consultants, Doctors, Nurses, ward nurses, office staff etc for a first class care service.

Minor lifestyle changes can eliminate or at least reduce some of the long term effects. We hope that any donations you wish to give, will help to find a possible cure for Diabetes. Thank you very much for any donations you make to DIABETES UK.  

www.justgiving.com/teambob2014