Dougal Glaisher

LINKS
Dougal’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dougals-epic-adventure-a4d

CONTACT
07885 803573
glaisherdougal@gmail.com

DOUGAL’S SOCIAL LINKS
Web: www.dougalsepicadventure.com
Facebook: Dougal’s Epic Adventure https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089749931241
Instagram: dougalsepicadventure https://www.instagram.com/dougalsepicadventure/

Dougal’s Round Britain Kayak Challenge

An experienced kayaker from Somerset who has represented GB, Dougal Glaisher, is embarking on a challenge of a lifetime, a solo and unsupported circumnavigation of the UK in world record time. The adventure is made all the more difficult as Dougal is attempting the feat whilst managing his Type 1 diabetes.

Dougal set off from Aldeburgh, Suffolk, on Friday, 2 June, at 04:45. He aims to beat the 67-day record set back by Isle of Man kayaker Joe Leach in 2012. He was diagnosed with this serious form of diabetes three years ago and hopes his efforts will raise as much as possible for the charity, Action4Diabetes, which helps young people with the condition in South East Asia, where lack of medical support can sometimes be fatal.

On the 2,000-mile voyage, Dougal will face typically unpredictable weather around the UK – strong tides, cold waters, exposed coastline – and must navigate some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes while managing his insulin and food intake to control his blood sugar levels. He will also carry everything he needs to complete the unsupported challenge, including a tent, gas cooker and medicine.

Dougal recognises the scale of the challenge but is determined to succeed. “I am coming to terms with my diabetes and want to show that it needn’t get in the way of a full and active life. I know this adventure will be tough, but I’m choosing to do it.”

“I know how difficult it is for children with this condition, who can’t get the right treatment – that’s real suffering. Knowing that I’m helping them will keep me paddling. I may have a disability, but with the right mindset, I can overcome anything.”

ABOUT DOUGAL GLAISHER

Dougal is from Partington, Somerset. After getting diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes three years ago, when he was 20, he decided to study the disease as part of a Biology degree at the University of Nottingham. Since graduating, he’s been working to raise awareness of T1D as a kayak coach and public speaker.

In 2021 he kayaked from Cherbourg in North West, France, to Venice, a trip of 5.500 kilometres.

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition that stops your body from producing insulin. Intensive management is required to keep blood sugar levels within range. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause diabetic ketoacidosis and long-term complications such as heart disease and blindness. Low blood sugars (hypoglycaemia) can lead to loss of consciousness, coma and death.

Action4Diabetes is a UK-registered charity dedicated to giving health and hope to disadvantaged young people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in South-East Asia by ensuring free access to life-saving medical supplies, healthcare services and continual education.

Action4Diabetes: https://action4diabetes.org/