Bike Ride to Raise $300,000 for Diabetes Research
January 14, 2005

Over 100 amateur cyclists from across Australia will participate in a spectacular bike ride through the Barossa Valley on Saturday 22 January 2005, to raise money for much needed research into a cure for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes.

It is just the second time that the Jacob's Creek Ride To Cure Diabetes has been held in Australia.

"We hope to raise over $300,000 through the Jacob's Creek Ride To Cure Diabetes," said Mike Wilson, CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), organisers of the Ride.

The Jacob's Creek Ride To Cure Diabetes is supported by champion Australian cyclists Shane Kelly and Stephen Hodge.

Riders have spent recent months raising a minimum of $3500 each to participate in the fully supported one day ride. Participants will complete either a 35km, 80km or 160km course, all of which start and finish at the Jacob's Creek Visitors Centre in the Barossa Valley.

Riders range in age from 13 to 65 years, and most have a connection with type 1 diabetes - they either live with the disease themselves or are riding for someone who does. Barry Sheehan, MD of HBSC and the father of a daughter with type 1 diabetes, has raised $18,000 for diabetes research. A team of Westpac employees from Sydney has raised over $40,000.

Over 140,000 Australians suffer from type 1 diabetes. The most serious form of diabetes, type 1 diabetes occurs when the body loses its ability to produce insulin. Generally striking children, it makes sufferers dependent on multiple injections of insulin every day, just to survive. It can't be prevented and there is no cure. Many people believe that insulin is a cure, however, even with insulin type 1 diabetes causes severe health problems over time, such as heart disease, amputation, blindness and kidney failure.

"Researchers have made greater advances towards a cure in the last five years than in the previous twenty. The outlook is now so promising it isn't a matter of 'if' there will be a cure, but when," said Mike Wilson. "The greatest obstacle researchers now face is funding."

For further information:

Karolyn Andrews, Media & PR Manager, JDRF
Ph. 02 9966 0400 (x203) or 0403 787 077 | email: kandrews@jdrf.org.au