A man from Camrose, West Wales has cycled 953 miles to Spain, to raise vital funds and awareness of Type 1 diabetes.
Scott Goddard, 35, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 18.
He took on the 16 day trip with his brother, Grant, and friend Raymond McGarty. The trio spent three days cycling from Camrose to Pool and then biked down the west coast of France before arriving at their final destination, San Sebastian, on 26 August.
Through France to Spain
Scott said, “The ride was a phenomenal experience. We cycled 70 miles every day, with two rest days in between. Cycling through the endless French countryside and coastal villages was amazing, and the people we met along the way were so supportive and positive.
“We cycled some of the routes of the Tour de France. The final part of the trip was the most difficult because we had to cycle 76 miles through mountains to get across the border from France to Spain, but I loved every minute of it.”
Scott has now raised £2,280 for Diabetes UK Cymru, and hopes his experience will inspire other people living with Type 1 to get on their bikes.
“A sense of liberation”
Scott continued, “I’ve always had a passion for anything with two wheels, and started training for this journey four months ago. Of course I had to monitor my blood glucose along the way, but that was far easier with my Continuous Glucose Monitor because I didn’t even have to stop cycling to check my levels."
“The trip has left me with a sense of liberation. It made me realise what my body can do. You can achieve so much and do whatever you put your mind to. I was able to work with my local NHS nutritionists during training who provided me with excellent advice and guidance - I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Find out more about fundraising for Diabetes UK Cymru here.
