Larbert man Mike Hamilton is to cycle 977 miles for a charity trying to find a cure for type 1 diabetes which strikes children and adults suddenly and lasts a lifetime.

The fundraising effort follows his six-year-old nephew Jack being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease – just days after a work colleague found out her son had the same condition.

Mike (53), of Acorn Crescent, will cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End in a tribute to the Juvenlile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for its help and support to both boys and their families since beginning their treatment.

The challenge will begin on Wednesday 5 May, with Mike cycling 70-80 miles a day – unsupported – before reaching Lands End on or around 17 May.

Mike, a ScotRail station team manager – based at Kirkcaldy, has received a boost from his company’s parent group even before even turning a wheel.

Transport giant FirstGroup has donated £1,000 over and above the £750 he has already raised.

Mike said: “Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can be traumatic – especially for young kids like Jack. The foundation has been a great support to Jack and his parents as well as many other families going through the same thing.”

He added, of his fundraising: “I just hope to raise as much money as possible – and to make people aware of the foundation’s work. The donation from FirstGroup has got me off to a brilliant start.”

The Aberdeen-based JDRF funds research to try and find a cure for type 1 diabetes – a chronic, debilitating and life threatening condition which requires sufferers to administer daily insulin injections.

Lisa McCartney, regional development manager for JDRF Scotland, said: “We are really touched that Mike has chosen to take on this incredible challenge to raise funds for the JDRF.”

She added: “The donation from First Group is a fantastic boost to his campaign. All the money raised will go towards funding the vital research needed to find the cure for type 1 diabetes and its devastating complications. We wish Mike the very best of luck!”

Avril Gill, FirstGroup‘s marketing manager, Group Brand, said: “The support offered by the JDRF is vitally important to so many families.

“We are often on the look out for opportunities to help worthy organisations like this one and are delighted to help.”

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LARBERT MAN TAKES ON CHARITY CYCLING CHALLENGE