Professional sailor Adam Pereira is to sail 7,000 nautical miles single-handed from Cowes to the Statue of Liberty and back nonstop to fundraise for Diabetes UK as part of Diabetes Week.
A truly unique challenge, 49-year-old Adam will be the first person with Type 1 diabetes to complete a transatlantic crossing on his own. Adam, who hails from Ventnor, sets off for New York from the Royal London Yacht Club in Cowes today (Saturday 17th June). He will be at sea for 10 weeks.
Speaking about the challenge, Adam said:
“I wanted to do something for Diabetes Week to inspire people with the condition to pursue their wildest dreams and live an awesome life. I’m really pushing the boat out so I’m asking everyone living with diabetes in the UK to sponsor me £10! There are 3.6 million people who have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK so this is an amazing opportunity to raise huge funds for diabetes research. I know it’s an incredible target but together we can do it!
“No-one with Type 1 has ever sailed single-handed across the Atlantic so this is certainly bold! I’m an Ocean Yacht Master with 100,000 nautical miles experience offshore so I hope I’m ready. I’ll be frequently testing my blood glucose levels. It’ll be a special feeling when the Statue of Liberty starts to come into view after so many hours at sea!”
The brave fundraiser has paid particular tribute to local couple Peter and Lesley Knight, who have kindly donated their boat to Adam for his challenge. They’ve had it in their family for 30 years.
Diabetes UK is the leading charitable funder of diabetes research in the UK, investing around £7 million every year to bring about life-changing breakthroughs in care, treatment and prevention, ultimately bringing us closer to a cure.
Diabetes Week is taking place Sunday 11th June to Saturday 17th June. During Diabetes Week, Diabetes UK will be highlighting the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle in managing diabetes and preventing Type 2, through eating well, getting active and maintaining a healthy weight.
Charlotte Harrison-Webb, Regional Fundraiser for Diabetes UK in the South East said:
“Adam is one of a kind. He’s amazing. Ten weeks at sea, enduring all types of adverse weather – what a hero. Everyone at Diabetes UK is cheering you on.”
Roger Duckworth, the Treasurer at the Royal London Yacht Club, said:
“I have only known Adam a short time but he is a genuinely inspirational person who is totally committed to this project and to raising funds for Diabetes UK. The Royal London Yacht Club is proud to support him and looks forward to his safe return in August”.
You can sponsor Adam on his ocean adventure at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Adam-Pereira.
