Race for diabetes research

The University's Diabetes Research Campaign has been selected as the charity of choice for the inaugural Monikie 10km Race being held on Saturday 10th May 2008.

Runners of all abilities from seasoned competitors to fun runners are being invited to register for the event which will take place on a flat course in the picturesque surroundings of Monikie Country Park on the outskirts of Dundee.

Organised by Eventfull Management Limited the race is being advertised throughout the UK and places are expected to fill up fast.

For race organiser Nicholas Kydd, the campaign is a cause close to his heart having been diagnosed with diabetes himself just over five years ago.

"We are delighted to be supporting the University's efforts to tackle diabetes through world-class research," he said Nicholas. "This is a personal issue for me and to have the chance to help boost the research effort is great."

Professor Dario Alessi, Director of the Dundee Diabetes Research Centre at the University, said the campaign was not just about raising money but increasing awareness of the dangers diabetes poses.

"We are delighted and extremely grateful to the organisers of the race for choosing to benefit the diabetes research campaign," said Professor Alessi.

"Although the campaign is about raising lots of money to go towards clinical research, state of the art laboratories and attracting a research superstar to Dundee to create a Type 1 diabetes research team, we also want to raise awareness about the disease.

"Early diagnosis is vital in preventing many of the symptoms such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks and amputations associated with the disease."

"Although diabetes can be hereditary, there is a pressing need to increase awareness of the need to take regular exercise and to lead a healthy lifestyle. The Monikie 10k run very much complements this aim and we would urge as many people as possible to participate."

There is an entry fee of £10 but organisers hope that runners will aim to raise sponsorship money to aid the campaign as well.

For more specific event information and how to enter the race as well as support the campaign, visit www.eventfull.biz, where there is also a downloadable sponsorship form, or contact 0845 203 2008.

For more information on the campaign see: www.dundee.ac.uk/externalrelations/funds/drc/about/