YOURS Staff tackle triathlon to raise funds
A GROUP of diabetes specialists from the Royal Glamorgan Hospital took on the Cardiff Triathlon to raise money for Diabetes UK.
The 13-strong team included doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants who all work at the hospital’s diabetes centre. Together they raised £750 to help the charity fund vital research and provide support for the 188,000 people in Wales who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
The team took part in the sprint distance triathlon, which was made up of a 750m swim in Cardiff Bay, 20k bike ride and 5k run around Cardiff Bay Barrage.
The team was organised by junior doctor Mike Atkinson, who said: “Diabetes is such an important issue here in Wales. As healthcare professionals, we see and care for people living with diabetes every single day. Diabetes UK Cymru provides these people with so much support, both individually and in the community, so we knew we wanted to fundraise for them.
“All of us have different fitness levels but we got stuck in to the training together and we really formed a great bond. The biggest challenge on the morning of the triathlon was the rain. Getting into the water in Cardiff Bay was not an appealing prospect, but we were determined not to let the rain dampen our spirits and once we got going it was an exhilarating experience.”
Gaynor Harris, lead diabetes specialist nurse, said: “Taking part in the triathlon was a great personal challenge, as well as an opportunity to support a charity close to all our hearts. I went from a non-runner to running 5k in five weeks and loved the team spirit of training together. When we finished we were all absolutely buzzing. It’s given us such a sense of camaraderie and we can’t wait to do it again next year.”
Joseph Cuff, fundraising manager at Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “We are so grateful to Mike and the whole team from the Royal Glamorgan Hospital for taking on the first-ever Cardiff Triathlon for Diabetes UK.”
To fundraise for Diabetes UK Cymru, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/ In_Your_Area/Wales/Fundraising