Follow John Grummit's progress as he travels from John O’Groats to Lands End

The Vice Chair of Diabetes UK, John Grumitt, is cycling 1,008 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End on Saturday 12th June to mark the beginning of Diabetes Week and help raise vital funds for the leading health charity.

Long time Chiswick resident John has Type 1 diabetes and is hoping to complete the ‘Ride Across Britain’ challenge in nine days by reaching Lands End on Sunday 20 June.

He is joining Olympic Gold Medallist James Cracknell as he cycles at a gruelling pace, covering 73,000ft, a distance that is equivalent to 2.5 times the height of Mount Everest.

John said: “Beyond the challenge itself, I have two thoughts playing on my mind. Firstly, how I will balance the required food intake and the associated insulin to cycle 100 miles a day, nine days on the trot. I hope the answer lies in the planning, which has included the usual demanding training, sessions with leading sports diabetologists and my new best friend, a continuous blood glucose monitor. Secondly, I am hoping that I can complete the task and raise as much money as possible for a Diabetes UK bursary to allow children with diabetes to attend Diabetes UK children’s support holidays.”

There are 2.6 million people with diabetes in the UK of which 20,000 are children under the age of 15. Diabetes is a serious condition and if not managed effectively, can lead to devastating complications such as heart disease, stroke and blindness.

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “I am delighted that John is undertaking this immense challenge for Diabetes UK and I hope that he finishes it with flying colours. He is raising vital funds for Diabetes UK’s children’s support holidays which give children with diabetes a chance to be among those who understand the condition. For many, it is the first step to managing their own diabetes - so Johns’ efforts will also be greatly appreciated by those who attend the support holidays.”

If you would like to sponsor John please see www.diabetes.org.uk/johngrumitt

"This site will be updated as I progress with photos, videos and hopefully amusing anecdotes. Do take a look during the week as I pass through some of the magnificent geography of Fort William, the Lake District, the Cheddar Gorge right down to the tip of Cornwall as well as innumerable places in between," said John.

"Thank you for your support. No matter how great or small, every bit counts and you are assured, will have a direct impact to improve lives. Thank you."

June 8, 2010