Savefor later Page saved! You can go back to this later in your Diabetes and Me Close

Team Oarstruck win Outstanding Achievement award

Inspirational Atlantic rowers Team Oarstruck, from Caerleon, were presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award at our Inspire Awards last month.

Thumbnail

Hugo Thompson, John Morgan, Joel Wood and Monty Williams, all 26, rowed into the record books earlier this year by completing the 3000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Despite no rowing experience, they set off from the Canary Islands on 14 December and crossed the finish line in Antigua on 7 February, after 55 days, two hours and 23 minutes at sea.

Hugo was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2015, and became the first person with the condition to complete the challenge. He hoped his achievement would inspire others with the condition.

So far the team have raised almost £15,000.

Life on the open ocean

During the ceremony, the four friends treated guests to an insight into life at sea, sharing stories and video footage from the open ocean.

Monty Williams said, “As a team we were very proud to be recognised at the awards alongside so many fantastic fundraisers with inspiring stories. It was great to be in the company of Diabetes UK Cymru volunteers who have been volunteering for as much as 20 years, and making a real difference to the cause.”

"Live life without limits"

Our director, Dai Williams, said: “Our Inspire Awards are an opportunity to thank our volunteers for going the extra mile – or, in Team Oarstruck’s case, the extra 3,000 miles!

“Hugo made history as the first person with Type 1 diabetes to complete this epic challenge and the whole team are a fantastic example of teamwork, dedication and supporting each other. We hope their story shows others with Type 1 diabetes that they can live life without limits.”

Find out about volunteering for us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Back to Top
Brand Icons/Telephonecheck - FontAwesomeicons/tickicons/uk