Son inspires cycle challenge

A Lancaster dad is cycling from London to Paris to fundraise for a charity which helped his son.
Evan Busby with his dad Emlyn.Evan Busby with his dad Emlyn.
Evan Busby with his dad Emlyn.

Emlyn Busby almost lost his son, Evan, to diabetes when he was just nine-years-old.

The 14-year-old was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2012 after complaining of feeling hot, tired and thirsty.

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“Neither myself or my wife Dawn will ever forget the weeks leading up to Evan’s diagnosis,” said the dad-of-four.

Evan Busby shortly before his diabetes diagnosis.Evan Busby shortly before his diabetes diagnosis.
Evan Busby shortly before his diabetes diagnosis.

“He was becoming moody and irritable, we had no idea that he was displaying typical symptoms of Type 1 diabetes and if we hadn’t taken him to the hospital when we did he would have slipped into a coma and things would have been far worse than they were.

“However, we were lucky and the staff at the RLI were and have continued to be fantastic and a great support.”

After the near-death experience Emlyn decided to take on the 240-mile cycle challenge for Diabetes UK.

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On Friday September 2, the 41-year-old will cycle for three days from London to Paris.

Evan Busby after diagnosis, as a keen cyclist.Evan Busby after diagnosis, as a keen cyclist.
Evan Busby after diagnosis, as a keen cyclist.

The Busby family say Diabetes UK has been a fantastic support since Evan’s diagnosis.

Emlyn, who is a partner at John Lewis, said: “Having almost lost my son at the age of nine to this incurable condition, every day provides challenges, both for Evan and for the rest of the family.

“As a mark of respect for him and how well he copes with the condition, I have set myself this challenge.

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“This challenge isn’t just about raising money. I also want to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes, especially in children.”

Evan Busby shortly before his diabetes diagnosis.Evan Busby shortly before his diabetes diagnosis.
Evan Busby shortly before his diabetes diagnosis.

Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 10 per cent of all adults with diabetes and is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump.

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age. Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/EmlynB

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