Diabetic And Lovin IT / News Articles / The Sunderland Echo, Fri, Aug 5,2005

The Sunderland Echo

Friday, August 5, 2005

By Emily McCarrick

Dad and son facing Ironman Challenge

SPORTS-MAD dad and son Eric and Gary Blakie will swap their seafront training ground for paradise island Hawaii to take part in one of the most physically demanding competitions in the world.

The pair have been selected to represent Britain in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships later this year - a mammoth achievement for 21-year-old Gary who suffers from diabetes but has managed to meet the grueling demands of the sport.

Now the Blakie boys, from Seaburn, are upping their punishing daily exercise regime to be peak condition for the Championships in Honolulu, in October, where they will swim 1,500 meters, cycle 40km and finish off with 10km run.

"I'm so happy we have both qualified," said Eric, who introduced Gary to triathlons as a teenager.

Since then retired company managing director Eric, 52, and business graduate gary, 21, have competed in more than 100 events between them.

"gary was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 12 and has to inject himself with insulin throughout the day, but that hasn't stopped him competing in some of the toughest competitions in the world," says proud dad Eric who himself competes in triathlons world-wide.

He added: "Gary trains for around 20 hours a week and has to prepare early for competitions to ensure his insulin levels are stable but I have never once heard him complain."

Gary, who hopes to pursue a career in business management, also educates other diabetics and health workers about the benefits of exercise.

"I suppose I took up the triathlons as a bit of a challenge to myself and to prove to other diabetics that it can be done," says Gary.

"Don't get me wrong, it is hard work and I have wanted to give up so many times but I somehow always managed to push through 'the wall' and carry on.

"I am looking forward to Honolulu. I have to time my races very carefully to coincide with my insulin levels and when the qualifying race in Kent was postponed for a couple of hours I didn't think I would be able to compete. Luckily, my body served me well and I got through."

Duncan Robertson a fund-raiser for Diabetes UK applauds Gary's determination to show other diabetics how successfully the condition can be managed.

"Gary is a role model for other diabetics. He has proven that the condition need not stop sufferers doing what they want - even if it is extreme sports" says Mr Robertson.

He added: "As well as following his own dreams, Gary has also helped Diabetes UK as a mentor at an event we organized in the region for young people and their carers. I wish him all the luck in the world for the event in Honolulu. He deserves to do well."