Wycheproof-Narraport footballer James Coatsworth is preparing himself to tackle one of the biggest challenges of his life, when he champions the cause of raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes research, during a 3,700 kilometre bike ride from the top of Mt. Wycheproof to the tip of Cape York in far north Queensland.
The ride pales into insignificance when compared to his on-going battle with Type 1 diabetes, an llness that struck unexpectedly last year and one that affects over 100,000 Australians.
Typical of the spirit in which he takes on the game of Australian Rules football, James is determined to increase public awareness and to raise much needed funds to assist research so that others might benefit.
In July 2015, in the middle of the North-Central football season, James is going to jump on his push bike and start the ride of a lifetime from his home town of Wycheproof to the tip of Australia.
Lifelong
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition in which the body can’t control the amount of glucose in the
blood. This is because the body can’t produce the natural hormone insulin.
It strikes children and adults – over 122,300 people in Australia have it, and this number increases each year.
Progress in T1D research is pretty impressive, with continued advances that are improving the lives of those living with it.
James was diagnosed just over 12 months ago at the age of 30. Since the diagnosis his life has changed a fair bit, but he has been lucky to receive fantastic medical assistance and advice to help him learn to manage and live with it.
“I want to give something back and support Diabetes Australia,” he said last week.
“I thought this bike ride would be a good way to increase awareness of the disease, and to fundraise for future research for a cure.”
At North-Central’s Feeny Medal vote count, held at Wycheproof on Wednesday of last week, two signed AFL football guernseys were auctioned by Tim Pattison, raising almost $900.
This will be added to the more than $5,700 already donated to James’s appeal via Diabetes Australia Vic’s Community Fundraising website.
James has set a goal of raising $20,000 and would appreciate any support the people of the North-Central Football League and neighbouring leagues can provide.
His former team-mates at the Cairns Saints are also looking at ways to support James, and are looking forward to hosting his stop over on his way to the Tip of Cape York.
The Only Way
With a mountain to climb and a life long journey to come living with Type 1 diabetes, it is appropriate that James begins his epic ride from the top of Australia’s smallest mountain — the only
way is up — and that’s the way James plays his football.
If you can help by donating, please log on to the folllowing website: https://community-fundraise.everydayhero.com/au/jamescoatsworth and follow the links.
A collection tin will be located at Donald’s Early Bird Café in Donald, among other places
Last Modified on 10/09/2014 23:33