Derek and Martin heading 'up the Shannon' in aid of diabetes awareness

Derry man Derek Lishman and his friend Martin Gallagher are set to undertake a massive challenge.

The pair are planning to paddle the longest river in Ireland, the River Shannon which is a distance of around 400km.

The challenge will take place on March 12th 2017.

Derek and Martin are undertaking the challenge to help raise awareness for people with diabetes and the mental and physical problems that can come with it.

Derek is form the Rosemount area of Derry and Martin is from Fermanagh.

Mr Lishman said: "For a lot of people with diabetes it can be a hard to fit it in to their everyday lives which in the long run can lead to a lot of complications that can have a very serious effect on people’s mental and physical health. "Being a diabetic I know only too well some of the complications that can occur due to bad management and denial of having diabetes.

"So we are undertaking this challenge to get people to help raise awareness and hopefully make a positive difference in the way people can help and deal with their diabetes. "We will be leaving from Killaloe in Co. Clare and paddling to Belleek in Co. Donegal then finishing at Smith’s strand at the Share discovery village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh.

"We are hoping to do this within 15 days taking time to stop off at different towns and chat to people and to promote paddle 4 diabetes"