Wycheproof farmer and footballer James Coatsworth is preparing himself to tackle one of the biggest challenges of his life, when he champions the cause of raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes research, during a 3,700 kilometre bike ride from the top of Mt. Wycheproof to the tip of Cape York in far north Queensland.
The ride pales into insignificance when compared to his on-going battle with Type 1 diabetes, an llness that struck unexpectedly 18 months ago and one that affects over 100,000 Australians. Typical of the spirit in which he takes on farming and the game of Australian Rules football, James is determined to increase public awareness and to raise much needed funds to assist research so that others might benefit.
Coinciding with National Diabetes Week, James plans to ride about 150km per day for 25-30 days. His mission is also about education about T1D, and proving that diabetes isn't a barrier to anything, big or small!
After departing Wycheproof, towns he plan to travel through include: Swan Hill, Moulamein, Hay, Goolgowi, Hilston, Cobar, Bourke, Cunnamulla, Charlesville, Tambo, Blackall, Charters Towers, Townsville, Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Innisfail, Millaa Millaa, Atherton, Mareeba and Bamaga.
James is setting off this Wednesday (the 1st of July, 2015) , in the middle of the North-Central football season, James is going to jump on his push bike and start the ride of a lifetime from his home town of Wycheproof to the tip of Australia.
Lifelong Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition in which the body can't control the amount of glucose in the blood. This is because the body can't produce the natural hormone insulin.
It strikes children and adults – over 122,300 people in Australia have it, and this number increases each year. Progress in T1D research is pretty impressive, with continued advances that are improving the lives of those living with it.
James was diagnosed just over 18 months ago at the age of 30. Since the diagnosis his life has changed a fair bit, but he has been lucky to receive fantastic medical assistance and advice to help him learn to manage and live with it.
"I want to give something back and support Diabetes Australia," he said last week.
"I thought this bike ride would be a good way to increase awareness of the disease, and to fundraise for future research for a cure."
James has set a goal of raising over $100 000 (currently raised over $40 000 before starting the ride)
The Only Way
With a mountain to climb and a life long journey to come living with Type 1 diabetes, it is appropriate that James begins his epic ride from the top of Australia's smallest mountain — the only way is up!
"Peddaling to cure Diabetes"
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For media enquiries contacts:
James Coatsworth: 0438 045 630
Gina Coatsworth (marketing): 0448 377 709