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Search forHundreds join Walk to Cure Diabetes in Bristol
Monday, September 08, 2008, 08:00
Star Wars characters mingled with cops and robbers, babies in prams and dogs on leads as families gathered at St Mathias College of the University of the West of England yesterday.
The fundraiser, in its ninth year, involved a five-mile walk and two- mile toddle for children around Oldbury Court Estate aiming to raise £60,000 for diabetes research.
There was a carnival feel with entertainment including live music by the Rifftoads, a barbecue, DJ, face painting, balloon modelling, puppet show and games.
Among the walkers were GP Elaine Lunts, aged 43, of Abbey Road, Westbury-on-Trym, with her partner Andy O'Brien, 45, an IT worker, and their childrem Ellen, eight, Lizzie, seven and Tom, four.
Elaine said: "Ellen's had diabetes for 18 months, which involves her having six insulin injections every day. We live with the fact that every day she could be seriously low with her blood sugar and could end up in hospital or worse."
"We are hoping to raise more than £500 today. We do some running and the kids like walking."
Andy said: "We are prepared for the walk, which is for a very important cause. With technology moving so quickly and a possibility for a cure it is important to support the research."
Sarah Gaydon, 38, a plumber of Sandburrows Road in Highridge, was doing the walk with Sandy Shaw, 55, a florist, as well as Sam Baker, 28, of Marguerite Road, Bedminster, and youngsters Lydia Gaydon, 14, Olivia Baker, 9 and Evie Baker, two.
Sarah said: "My 12-year-old nephew, Billy Rees, has diabetes and between us we hope to raise £500.
"We've done no training and we reckon on finishing in about two hours."
Jason Wescott, 38, head of sales at Bristol International Airport, was dressed as a pilot and among a 100-strong team from the airport.
"We decided to be a sponsor and support the event," he said. "This year's walk chairman is our chief executive, Paul Kehoe."
Colin Burton, 61, a printer of Forest Road, Fishponds, was walking with grandson Reece Noble, nine, of Glenroy Avenue, Speedwell.
Colin said: "I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 15 years ago and I take eight tablets a day. I try to eat things with less sugar because too much sugar affects my blood sugar level. I used to donate blood but I don't now because that could cause an imbalance in sugar levels."
Reece, who is asthmatic, said: "I'm confident, I reckon I can do it if we take it easy."
Steve Gwyther, 40, an IT consultant of Bradley Stoke, was dressed as a policeman and walking with his wife Kate, 34, and their youngsters Rosie, three and Poppy, one.
He said: "We have a cops and robbers theme. My wife works for the airport and we're hoping to raise £500."
Organisers say that every pound raised will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which is striving to find the cure for type 1 diabetes.
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