Diathlete visits St James Park

Exeter City were pleased to welcome Gavin Griffiths to St James Park on the evening of Wednesday 22 May, as part of his epic ‘30/30’ charity challenge.

Gavin – who calls himself the ‘Diathlete’ – is a type 1 diabetic.  His mission goal is to run 30 miles (more than a marathon) every day for 30 consecutive days, zig-zagging across the nation from John O’Groats down to Land’s End. Day 26 of his challenge saw him run from Taunton to Exeter, finishing at the Park.

Currently he has raised in excess of £6,000 for his chosen charities – Diabetes UK and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  He has also receiving backing from some of Britain’s sporting greats – including former heavyweight boxing champion David Haye, World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst, and Olympic legendary rower Sir Steve Redgrave – the latter of whom is also a type 2 diabetic.  And now Grecian the Lion has offered his backing too!

Gavin was a torchbearer during the London 2012 Olympic Games, running a leg of the relay in Margate – and his prized asset was with him at the Park.

As well as raising cash for good caused, Gavin is also hoping to raise awareness of diabetes and inspire other diabetics to realise that their condition is no barrier to involvement in sport. As Gavin himself says, “It’s about showing that even as a diabetic, you can still get out there involved in sports just as well as anyone else.”

Those who wish to sponsor Gavin can head to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GBR3030. Gavin also runs a blog about his fundraising here: http://diathlete.org.