Hospital team cycle from Birmingham to Taunton for World Diabetes Day

An enthusiastic team of staff and patients from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) cycled the distance from QEHB to Taunton Hospital, Somerset, to mark World Diabetes Day. The cyclists took turns on a static bike in the atrium of the hospital and completed the 128 mile route over the course of the day, cycling on average 16 miles per hour!

The two hospitals are working together on a research trial called ExTOD (Exercise in Type One Diabetes) which aims to develop a program to support adults with type one diabetes to manage their blood glucose (sugar) levels around acitivity.

The team in Birmingham were competing with another team from the ExTOD programme based in Taunton who were cycling in the other direction, trying to make it as far as Birmingham. The Taunton team finished their distance first but everyone at both hospitals had a great time pedalling away and raising awareness of diabetes.

Manyee Li, who is a Specialist Dietitian at QEHB and works with patients who have type one diabetes, said: “It was a great day of cycling and fundraising. Huge thanks to all of my amazing colleagues as well as the patients and the volunteers from Lloyds Bank who took on a stint on the bike.

“It is great to be working alongside Taunton Hospital on this trial and I am really glad I am really glad that the day raised awareness not only of the trial but of diabetes in general. The Diabetes Team had an information stand with a variety of leaflets which flew off the shelf, particularly the ones on type two diabetes, the more common type of diabetes. The interest from the public on World Diabetes Day was fantastic, with many people seeking advice and tips about how to manage their diabetes better or to reduce their risk of developing the condition in the future.”

Senior Fundraiser at QEHB Charity Rachel Learmonth said: “It was great to see the team come together and pedal such a long way to raise awareness of type one diabetes and the amazing research that the team are going to be undertaking.

“I look forward to hearing about the trial as it progresses and I’m sure it will go on to have a really positive impact on the lives of people with diabetes. Thanks to the team for all their hard work in raising money to support patients here at QEHB.

If you have type one diabetes, are aged between 18 and 70, like to exercise, and would like to get involved with the ExTOD study then please contact anthea.williams@uhb.nhs.uk or call 0121 371 4707.

To support the team and help them to reach their fundraising target please see justgiving.com/QEHBDiabetes