On Monday 7 December 2009, Jenna Richards, 22, from Horfield in Bristol, travelled halfway around the world to Aukland, New Zealand, in a pair of pyjamas to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.
Using the Diabetes Challenge website, Jenna challenged herself to wear her favourite pair of pyjamas along the entire route in the hope of adding a little fun to her 34 hour-long journey and raising awareness of diabetes and money to help people with the condition.
Spark conversation
“I thought that it would be a good way to spark conversation,” said Jenna, whose grandmother died of diabetes-related complications. “I will be waiting in Brunei airport for at least ten hours, so I figured I could pass the time and tell people about Diabetes UK while I’m there.
“I hope not only to raise money for Diabetes UK, but to also raise awareness about the condition itself.”
Innovative way to raise awareness
Jan Tyrrell, Regional Manager for Diabetes UK South West, said: "We are really grateful to Jenna for taking on this challenge – what an innovative way to raise awareness! We hope she will get the chance to speak to many different people along the way about the seriousness of diabetes and how the work of Diabetes UK can help people living with the condition and those at risk of developing it.”
Jenna’s challenge can be viewed at www.diabeteschallenge.org.uk/challenge/jennarichards-slumberpartyat36000ft