27 April 2009

Acting principal to race for diabetes research

Acting Principal of the University of Dundee, Professor Pete Downes, has lent his support to his institution’s Diabetes Research Campaign by agreeing to don his running shoes and take part in this year’s Monikie 10K Race For Research.

Professor Downes, who enjoys running in his spare time, has agreed to personally match the first £100 of sponsorship money donated, as well as pledging to meet every penny he raises if he fails to complete the race in his target time of 55 minutes.

The event takes place on Sunday, May 10th, when hundreds of runners will descend upon Monikie Country Park, Angus, to do their bit for diabetes research. Last year’s inaugural Monikie 10K raised thousands of pounds for DRC, which aims to raise £3.3million towards state-of-the-art research and patient care facilities.

Professor Downes said he was delighted to help the campaign, and that he had both professional and personal reasons to do so.

'First of all, my research is relevant to diabetes in that it examines the critical pathways that insulin exerts an effect in,' he said. 'I also have a long-standing interest in helping diabetes charities stretching back to my university days.'

'On a personal level, the son of a close family friend has Type 1 diabetes, while my brother has Type 2 diabetes, so this is a cause that’s close to my heart. As Acting Principal, I also felt that it was important to show my support for this event. I would normally be out running with our dog on a Sunday anyway, so it was the chance to take part in a fun event in aid of a very worthy cause.'

'There’s also the sense of challenge. I will personally match the first hundred pounds of sponsorship I raise, and I’ve also set myself a target of completing the race in 55 minutes. I’ll match every penny of the sponsorship money I receive if I fail to do that.'

'If anyone wants to sponsor me then forms will be available from my office, at the reception of the Tower Building, and also at the front desk of the Wellcome Trust Building.'

Almost 250 participants have so far signed up for this year’s Monikie 10K, and some places remain available for anyone interested in taking part. Fundraisers of all abilities, including serious racers, fun runners and walkers, are invited to apply.

University staff have been quick to throw their weight behind the event, with Professor Andrew Morris, Professor of Diabetic Medicine, and Professor Dario Alessi, Director of the Diabetes Research Centre; among those who will be taking part.

The DRC has already raised more than £2million but there is still work to do to reach the ultimate target, which will enable the University to create a Type 1 diabetes research team of the same standards as the internationally recognised expertise Dundee has in Type 2 diabetes.

Sponsors have generously agreed to provide assistance to race organisers, and several have donated prizes to be awarded to participants who reach fundraising targets. Sponsors include Radio Tay, Angus Council, Institute of Sports and Exercise (University of Dundee), Apex Hotels, The Playwright, The Sweat Shop, The Apple Tree and Dundee University Students Association.

More information about DRC, the race, and how to enter is available by visiting www.dundee.ac.uk/drc. Information about entering the Monikie 10K can be obtained by calling event co-organisers Eventfull Management Limited on 0845 204 2009.

There is an entry fee of £11, which includes a donation to the charity campaign, and organisers hope that runners will raise further funds through sponsorship.

Notes to editors:
Diabetes is now the fastest growing epidemic in the developed world. It is estimated that more than 300 million people worldwide will suffer from the disease by 2020 and the disease has been recognised by the United Nations as the greatest threat to world health.

It is estimated that the NHS is spending £1m an hour, 10% of its yearly budget, treating diabetes and its complications.

In Tayside there has been a 90% increase in the incidence of diabetes in the last 10 years and the need to develop clinical research facilities across Tayside is urgent. The Diabetes Research Campaign aims to provide the facilities and technology to enable scientists and doctors to work together to develop better and more effective treatments and to devise preventative strategies for the disease.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk