Western Trust getting behind Derry man doing 400km paddle for diabetes awareness

The Western Trust would like to encourage members of the community to get behind Martin Gallagher and Derek Lishman who are doing a 400km paddle from Killaloe in Co.Clare to Smith’s Stand at the Share Centre in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh.

Commenting on the challenge Martin Gallagher said: “Being a diabetic I know only too well some of the compilations that can occur due to the bad management and denial of having diabetes. So we 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 in the West”

The lads are hoping to do the 400km within 15days taking time off to stop at different towns to help raise awareness of Diabetes and the associated mental and physical problems that come with it.

Dr Emma McCracken from the Western Health and Social Care Trust Said: “There are approximately 4.5 million people living with diabetes in the UK, and an estimated 1.1 million people who have diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed. The team in SWAH and #DiabetesWest want to wish Martin and Derek all the best for their 400km adventure as they promote awareness of diabetes while raising money for Diabetes UK. Good luck!”

You can follow Martin and Derek on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Paddle4Diabetes/ or learn more about the Western Trust Diabetes services at http://www.westerntrust.hscni.net/services/Diabetes.htm