Patel Power - Cousins cycle London to Paris to fight diabetes.

Anish Patel from Edgeware and his cousin Paresh Patel from Wembley are taking on a cycle challenge to fundraise for Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF).

The cousins are taking on the Global Adventure Challenge London to Paris cycle ride from 20th to 24th July 2016 finishing in Paris just before the finale of the Tour de France.

Using JustGiving to fundraise Anish has set himself the challenge of £1470 which will fund the ride as well as raising £735 for DRWF, so far he has raised over £700. Paresh has his own JustGiving page and has raised over £1000.

“I am so proud to take on this challenge and support DRWF. Diabetes is something I have read a lot about because I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2014. I’ve made some pretty big life changes and was given the all clear after 6 months.

“However diabetes is quite common throughout our wider family, unfortunately we’ve had many family member suffer from diabetes and also lost their lives because of it. We know type 2 diabetes is more prevalent amongst the Asian community so we are both keen to continue to improve our fitness and take on a wonderful challenge. If we can raise as much money as possible to help a very worthy cause the challenge will be very worthwhile.” Anish explained.

The cousins will set off from London on the 295 mile, 4 day bike ride, organised by Global Adventure Challenges, which will take them through the beautiful Kent countryside to Dover, before crossing the Channel to Dunkirk. The route then uses quiet French country lanes, through traditional market towns with views of the rolling, green fields of Northern France, passing the war memorials and cemeteries of the Somme.

The pièce de résistance of this cycle challenge will be the final cycle up the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe, following in the tyre tracks of the cycling greats, before watching them cycle the same route the next day in the finale of the Tour de France.

“We are delighted Anish and his cousin Paresh have chosen DRWF as their charity for this amazing challenge. We look forward to seeing their photos under the Arc de Triomphe.

“Cycling is an excellent form of exercise, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. It can be started at any pace and with perseverance will improve their overall health and their diabetes control.” Said DRWF CEO Sarah Bone.