Duo ready to go and raise diabetes cash
When Gary Rowland's five-year-old son Miles was diagnosed with diabetes he was left in shock.
But the 40-year-old father has decided to do his utmost to raise money to research the problem.
He and friend Steve Porter are gearing up for a fundraising mission which will see them ride almost 1,000 miles on their tandem bike in fancy dress.
The ride, from Land's End to John O'Groats, is set to test them to their limits in both fitness and endurance.
But it will take more than punishing miles and bad weather to discourage this determined duo.
Gary, an IT consultant from Lulworth Road, Lee-on-the-Solent, said: 'For me, it's very much a personal thing.
'The money we raise will hopefully go some way towards preventing other children from developing diabetes in the same way that Miles did.'
The development of Miles' Type 1 diabetes at the age of two, following a virus, was unusual.
And Alice Hall, the daughter of a mutual friend of Gary and Stephen's, also suffers from diabetes, so this has made them even more determined to raise funds for research.
So far, the pair have raised 300 but are hoping to raise in excess of 5,000. They will be holding a promotional day a week before they set off in Lee-On-The-Solent.
'Steve and I are quite used to doing things in style – tell the residents of Lee-On-The-Solent and Gosport to watch out,' laughed Gary.
Steve, a baker of Marine Parade, Lee-on-the-Solent, added: 'We are a bit crazy.'
The pair say they are looking forward to the unusual challenge which will kick off on May 22.
They will change costume every day and hope to show people that they can make a difference, despite having busy lives.
Steve added: 'We're very busy people, but the trip will be a bit of excitement for us – and will make a big difference for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. The reason for their passion and dedication is close to home.'
To donate visit justgiving.com/lejoginstyle
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
