Responding to the 'Cold Water Challenge', six volunteers will take the plunge into the shivery Tay on 13 August to raise awareness of diabetes and funds for Diabetes UK - the national charity for people with diabetes. The swimmers include Dr. Andrew Morris, one of the UK's leading diabetes consultants and Dr Dario Alessi, a pioneering insulin researcher, both from the University of Dundee. All the participants will swim the mile between Tayport and Broughty Ferry.
Dr Morris says, "Diabetes touches the lives of millions of people in the UK and is a serious condition, associated with heart disease, blindness and other serious complications. By taking the plunge on 13 August we hope not only to raise money for the work of Diabetes UK but also to draw attention to what diabetes is and the impact it has on people. Our swimming team includes people with diabetes, relatives of those with diabetes, GPs, hospital specialists and scientists."
Dr Morris and Dr Alessi's fellow swimmers include Irene Blair, who has Type 2 diabetes and Dr Finlay Currie, a GP from Perth. Dr Liz Downes a lecturer at Abertay University and Vincent Henry son of Delia Henry, Diabetes UK National Manager for Scotland will also take the plunge.
Speaking on behalf of Diabetes UK, Delia said, "We are absolutely delighted that the challenge is being taken up, especially by such a cross-section of our supporters. The Tay is very cold indeed and is known for its ferocious tides. Taking up a challenge like this is a demonstration of exceptional commitment. Our volunteers not only take this challenge seriously but know the seriousness of diabetes and we hope not only to raise funds for our work but also public awareness of diabetes. The participation of someone like Irene Blair, who has diabetes, shows that having the condition need not constrain you from achieving your ambitions."
The swim is due to start at 7pm on Tuesday 13 August at Tayport Harbour and will finish a mile away at Broughty Ferry at around 8pm. Each swimmer will be accompanied by a rescue boat crewed by an oarsman or lifesaver.
For further information, please contact Alan McGinley on 0141 332
2700(office) or 07876 594195 (mobile)
Notes to editor
1. The swim is due to take place on Tuesday 13 August. If, however, the
weather is unfavourable, the swim may be rescheduled to the following day.
2. All of the participants in the Tay Cold Water Challenge have a
connection with diabetes, either as a scientist, health care professional
or as someone who lives with diabetes. They are: Dr Dario Alessi
(internationally renowned research scientist), Irene Blair (who has Type 2
diabetes), Dr Finlay Currie (local GP), Dr Liz Downes (lecturer at Abertay
University), Vincent Henry (son of Delia Henry, Diabetes UK National
Manager for Scotland), Dr Andrew Morris (Consultant in diabetes in Tayside
and Reader in Medicine at the University of Dundee)
3. Diabetes UK is the charity for people with diabetes. We fund medical
research, provide information and support to people with diabetes and
campaign on their behalf.
4. Being active is especially important if you have diabetes. Diabetes
management consists of physical activity as well as diet and medication.
According to a recent study from America, the onset of diabetes can be
delayed significantly by modest exercise and change of diet.
5. There are 120,000 people in Scotland with diabetes. Diabetes UK
estimates that there are a 90,000 in Scotland with diabetes who don't know
it.
6. Undiagnosed or poorly treated diabetes can lead to heart disease,
blindness, kidney disease, strokes and amputations.
7. Dr Dario Alessi, from the Medical Research Council Protein
Phosphorylation Unit, is an internationally respected scientist for his
groundbreaking research that sheds light on the mechanisms used by insulin
to control the processes in diabetes and could lead to new drugs to
alleviate the disease.
8. The University of Dundee has an international reputation for its
research on diabetes. There are over 50 scientists working on diabetes
research within the School of Life Sciences, from prevention to cure.