A sailor from Ventor who single-handedly completed a 7000-mile transatlantic voyage from the Isle of Wight to New York has been recognised for his efforts by a leading diabetes charity.
Adam Pereira, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 33, was given Diabetes UK’s Fundraising Award at the charity’s Inspire Awards today (Thursday 7th June).
A truly unique challenge, Adam set off for New York from the Royal London Yacht Club in Cowes on 17th June 2017 and returned home on 4th September 2017. Sailing the distance of 7,000 nautical miles to the Statue of Liberty and back, Adam raised £1000 for the charity.
Boat builder and sailor, Adam, 50, said:
“I’m very proud to receive this award. Eleven long weeks at sea was really tough – mentally and physically – but I’m so glad I did it.
“The best thing about sailing is connecting with the elements and the energy flowing through the boat. I haven’t been sailing since the challenge though – I’m still in recovery mode!
“I share this award with my amazing family and son who helped me every step of the way. I hope my solo voyage has helped inspire others with Type 1 diabetes to go and chase their dreams!”
Diabetes UK is the leading charitable funder of diabetes research in the UK, investing around £7million every year to bring about life-changing breakthroughs in care, treatment and prevention, ultimately bringing us closer to a cure.
Jill Steaton, Regional Head in the South East for Diabetes UK, said:
“Adam is a true inspiration. No-one with Type 1 diabetes has ever sailed single-handed across the Atlantic. He battled through some very tough conditions and we are all very proud of him.
“Through our Inspire Awards we thank our hard working volunteers, like Adam, for their contributions, and celebrate the positive difference their work makes to the lives of people living with diabetes.”
If you are inspired to volunteer for Diabetes UK go to https://www.diabetes.org.uk/in_your_area/south_east/volunteering.
