Julia zips her way to charity windfall
AMUM-OF-TWO from Offerton hurtled down the longest zip wire in Europe to raise money for Diabetes UK.
Julia Tait, aged 52, a consultant for Cambridge Weight Plan, took the challenge at Zip World in Snowdonia, North Wales, along with 40 other weight consultants, after shedding six stone.
Together they raised more than £11,000 for Diabetes UK, to help fund further research into the condition.
Julia, of Kedleston Green, suffered with gestational diabetes during her second pregnancy and helps others with the condition to lose weight and put their diabetes into remission in her role as a weight consultant.
She said: “It took some organising, we have had support from Diabetes UK with T-shirts and headbands and some consultants travelling more than 300 miles to join in the challenge at their own expense and all congregating at the Royal Victoria Hotel in Snowdonia to build the team spirit.
“The united encouragement on the day was intoxicating. Every member of the team completed the challenge, for some heights were a massive element to overcome, never mind a descent at over 100 kilometres per hour.
“During the day and evening we were stopped by several members of the public sharing their diabetes experience and stories, but in turn shaking our hands, donating and thanking us for our courage and contributions to Diabetes UK. We have made new friends, memories and they are all asking #whatnext.”
The consultants visited the Cambridge Weight Plan head office to present Diabetes UK representatives with the cheque for £11,754.93, raised through the zip wire challenge.
Julia added: “Not everyone wants to do something as crazy as a zip wire challenge for charity, but compared to the medical issues diabetics face daily, this zip wire is nothing. I’m delighted to have been able to do something to help”. »»Zip wire family dad on parachute challenge: P 15