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1:58AM Sunday 05 July, 2009

Cyclists ride for cure

6 January 2009

More than 350 amateur cyclists from across Australia will participate in a challenging bike ride through the Barossa Valley on Saturday, January 17, in aid of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Among the riders will be Jim Thompson of Noosa Heads, an accomplished veteran cyclist and member of the Sunshine Coast Cycling Club.

Jim has taken up the challenge to raise money for much needed research into a cure for type 1 (or juvenile) diabetes.

“This is an important cause and a great way to raise awareness and much needed research funds,” Jim said

“I’m proud to be associated with JDRF and the Ride to Cure Diabetes. Together as a family we are hoping to raise more than $13,000 to help make a significant contribution to the final fundraising tally.”

This is the sixth Australian Ride to Cure Diabetes. Riders must raise a minimum of $3500 each to participate in the 160km ride course.

Riders range in age from 10 to 70 years and most have a connection with type 1 diabetes – they either live with the disease themselves or are riding for someone who does.

“My daughter Samantha, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 23 years ago, when five,” Jim said.

“Despite the challenges of the disease, Sam has never let diabetes be an excuse for anything, or stand in the way of achieving her life’s goals. To take on this enormous challenge of riding 160km in one day is monumental for anyone, let alone someone with diabetes and new to cycling. So both my son, Simon, and I didn’t hesitate to support Sam in this quest.”

Unlike other forms of diabetes, type 1 (or juvenile) diabetes is a disease of the immune system that most commonly strikes in childhood. It is caused by the unpredictable destruction of the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Without insulin, the body cannot convert food to energy. The 140,000 Australians who currently suffer type 1 diabetes have to inject multiple shots of insulin daily.

This is not a cure and doesn’t prevent the development of complications such as blindness, heart disease or kidney failure. Medical research is the only hope for preventing or reversing the effects of type 1 diabetes.

“Researchers have made greater advances towards a cure in the past five years than in the previous 20. The outlook is now so promising it isn’t a matter of ‘if’ there will be a cure, but when,”JDRF chief executive officer Mike Wilson said.

Donations can be made via Jim’s online ride webpage at http://ride.jdrf.org.au/team Participant.asp?participant ID=761. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

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