17 February 2009

Monikie race to support Diabetes Research Campaign

The University of Dundee’s Diabetes Research Campaign is to benefit again from the support of hundreds of runners set to take part in the second annual Monikie 10km Race.

The Diabetes Research Campaign is aiming to raise £3million towards state of the art research and patient care facilities across Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross, adding to the world-class diabetes research programmes which are already well-established through the University and NHS Tayside.

The campaign 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.

Last year’s inaugural Monikie10km race, organised by Eventfull Management Limited, raised thousands of pounds for the charity campaign. This year’s race will take place in Monikie Country Park at 11am on Sunday May 10th. Runners of all abilities, from serious racers to fun runners, are being invited to apply for places, which are limited.

Nicholas Kydd, event race organiser for Eventfull, is himself diabetic, having been diagnosed just over 6 years ago. 'We are delighted to continue to support the University’s efforts to tackle diabetes through world-class research,' said Nicholas. 'We got a great response from runners last year and we look forward to seeing many of them again this time around.'

Andrew Morris, Professor of Diabetic Medicine 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 again,' said Professor Morris. 'A race like this is a great way not just to raise funds but also to raise awareness of diabetes and what can be done to prevent it. Regular exercise, for instance, has a very positive effect in reducing the risk of diabetes.

'We have had great backing from the public already throughout this campaign, which will bring real benefits to people all around Tayside, and we look forward to seeing many of them at the Monikie 10k.'

Places in the race around idyllic Monikie Country Park are expected to fill fast with the event being advertised to runners around the UK, and those who are interested are urged to apply as soon as possible.

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 204 2009. There is an entry fee of £11, which includes a donation to the charity campaign. Organisers are also hopeful that runners will raise further funds through sponsorship.

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

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk