CYCLING almost 4000km is a near impossible task for many, let alone doing it with no help.
But that is what awaits Seville Grove’s Neil McLagan as he prepares to set off on an unsupported 3900km cycle from Perth to Sydney to raise $10,000 for the Telethon Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre.
Living with type 1 diabetes himself for more than 20 years, Mr McLagan said it was a condition that had greatly affected his day-to-day life and he wanted to prove that he could do something as difficult as a cross-country cycle.
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READ NOW“It’s a disease that requires my constant care and attention, especially since blood glucose levels can fluctuate rapidly, having both negative short and long term impacts on my health,” he said.
“Having had little to no peer support, difficulty in accessing the right clinical services and lacking in the type of connection with others, I felt so alone, afraid, isolated and vulnerable.
“These are the peer support and clinical services the Telethon Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre offers and this is why I am extremely passionate about supporting them as much as I can.
“I’ve always wondered what it might feel like to be in a remote location and completely self sufficient-in a sense I think you truly find yourself in these situations and I don’t think something like type 1 diabetes should prevent us from that.”
He said the lack of support crew or vehicle following him meant everything he took on the three-week trip would need to fit on the bike with him.
“Weight is a critical factor given that it expends extra time and energy to carry anything unnecessary, and I have to be very diligent with my health care supplies, but items such as electrolytes and a change of shorts are just as critical,” he said.
“With a number of important variables to consider, such as nutrition and hydration, as well as fatigue and re-supply points, we have had to construct quite a robust itinerary, including local weather and terrain.
“Sitting on a bike and simply riding is something I know I can do well, so when the time comes, I’ll be able to switch off to everything else and focus on what my team and I have set out to achieve.”
Visit https://crossingforacauseat1djourney.wordpress.com/ to donate to the Crossing for a Cause ride.
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