Rhys Lewis, 45 from Cilcennin, Aberaeron was awarded a medal for raising over £1100 for Diabetes UK by cycling the 60 miles of the Ceredigion Coastal Path on a bike at home.
Rhys has Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and type 1 diabetes. Because of his learning difficulties and his need to shield when the pandemic began, he moved from sheltered accommodation back into his home with his mother, Laura.
Rhys, said:
“I initially found living with diabetes challenging and remember injecting and checking blood glucose (sugar) levels and looking closely at what I eat, as well as dealing with the stigma attached to the condition. I chose to take on the challenge of cycling the Ceredigion Coastal Path to raise awareness of diabetes, to fund vital research and improve my own sugar levels. I’m not a professional cyclist by any means but used my exercise bike and benefitted from the support of friends and family so that I could keep on going on the hard days.”
Joseph Cuff, Regional Fundraiser said:
“We want to thank Rhys for doing so well and also his mum, Laura for supporting the initiative and his diabetes nurse, Anwen Jones who has cheered and encouraged him all along”.
Rhys’s mother Laura added:
“It was a hard challenge, but we got there. Rhys likes heavy metal and has over 700 records and is also very interested in tractors and machinery, so it was good for him to increase his activity levels and do something completely different”.
Do you have an idea for a fundraiser in Wales? We have had video games, tea & gin, quizzes and curry nights, “nailathons”, glitzy balls and much more. Get in touch with us if you want to fundraise locally.
