At the last week of August/beginning of September, I will be taking the challenge to ride the "Route Des Grandes Alps" to support "Action for Diabetics", a new charity providing support to children with Type 1 Diabetes here in South East Asia (SEA).

The cycling over the French Alps from Geneva to the Mediterranean coast is planned to take 6 days, slightly more than 700km and a total ascent of more than 16.000m (equal to almost climb up twice the Mt. Everest). My butt and legs seem to hurt already.... But, It's a BIKE FOR A REASON....

Charles, my former boss & friend and his lifelong friend Jerry Gore (both are cycling with us) have set up "Action for Diabetics (A4D)", a SEA based charity that offers medical supplies and education to young kids with Type 1 Diabetes in the region's poorest communities. Jerry himself is a Type 1 Diabetic and an Extreme Mountaineer. An encouraging example for every Type 1 Diabetic and how 'normal' a life can be lived despite the disease and if treated properly.

Although Type 1 Diabetes cannot be cured, the treatment is available in more developed countries allowing sufferers to live a full and active life. However, if left untreated, Type 1 Diabetes is hugely debilitating and eventually fatal to kids who develop the condition early on in their lives. Unfortunately children and their families in underdeveloped parts of SEA simply cannot access the medicines & medical supplies or the education & comprehensive support required to survive this deadly but manageable disease.

By providing education for kids and their families through "Diabetes Camps" & medical treatment through sustainable supplies, A4D has already saved the lives of 70 children with Type 1 Diabetes in SEA. A fantastic result for just a one year old charity where 100% of all funds go directly to the children's treatment and where a small group of people tirelessly continue to work in an effort to alleviate the suffering of more children and their families. 50 Euros is sufficient to provide one months supplies of essential medication and supplies....

It would be great if many of you could support A4D with your donations too. Every Euro counts and would clearly MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Thank you so much