Henry, Martin's middle son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 18 months old and his eldest son William when he was eleven. Martin was always perplexed as to why this happened to the boys and felt more research was vital to understand the causes, possible prevention and efficient management to avoid debilitating side effects.

Life with two diabetic children was extremely difficult, but the Ashurst family managed to give the boys a very normal, happy childhood without much support as most of the funding for diabetes management and research is directed overwhelmingly to type 2 adult diabetics.

Martin encouraged the boys to cycle to help manage their diabetic
control and this year as 40 something adults they will be cycling the
Prudential 100 for JDRF. Martin loved to cycle and his boys would often be found behind him shouting apologies to the walkers who had to jump out of the way of the Lycra clad banker!

They also climbed many mountains together on their bikes, but no one
could pass Martin on the descent and the boys never tried, he was fearless. A fearlessness shown by his brave fight against cancer that sadly even he could not win.

JDRF not only supports research into causes of childhood diabetes it
also helps the children become independent, manage their fears and embrace their diabetes. It helps them see a future after diagnosis and that life holds as much excitement and opportunities as that of their contemporaries.

Martin's sons and his daughter have all embraced life to the full and just
like Martin are always up for a challenge. The family made sure that their diabetes never held them back and with your support of JDRF many more children will face a more certain, positive future.