Lecturer to cycle length of country

Wednesday 11th July 2012

College lecturer Michael Lambourne wants to encourage more people to get tested for Type 2 diabetes as he prepares for a charity challenge.

Michael will spend a month cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats averaging about 50 miles a day as he endeavours to raise funds and awareness for Diabetes UK.

Michael, from Maidstone, will set off on the 960-mile journey on July 16 and is due to celebrate his 59th birthday while cycling the length of the country.

He was keen to support Diabetes UK, which funds research into the disease and helps those living with the condition, as he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes less than a year ago.

Michael, who has nicknamed his trip the E2E Cycle Challenge, said: "I'd like to raise awareness of the importance of getting tested, unfortunately, I am now one of the 3.7 million people in the UK who have diabetes and I want to make a difference by also raising funds for research into this serious condition."

Jenny Green, Diabetes UK fundraising manager for the South East region, said: "We are very grateful for Michael's support on this amazing national biking tour. Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK today and the money raised will help improve the care and support available for people affected by the condition."

There are 28,777 people diagnosed with diabetes in West Kent and an estimated 10,800 people in the region who are unaware they have Type 2 diabetes.

To sponsor Michael visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/MikeLambourne.

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