What do you get when you combine two driven, experienced hikers, a world renowned hiking path called the Heysen Trail, and a desire to raise funds for an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people living with diabetes?
You get #heyHeysen - an epic 1200km hike lead by David Scotland and Simeon Finch who are dedicating this effort to raise vital research funds for Diabetes SA.
Diabetes is the fastest chronic health condition in the world today.
One person every five minutes will develop diabetes.
Diabetes can lead to other devastating conditions including sight and hearing loss, or cardio, kidney and vascular failure.
David has lived with type 1 diabetes since the age of 26, and credits some of his expertise in planning this journey to the 180 additional “diabetes related decisions” he has to make in a day.
“Simeon and I are committed to supporting the work of Diabetes SA in raising funds for vital research into diabetes,” said David.
"As a Type 1 diabetic, I want to emphasise the message that a chronic condition doesn’t have to be a barrier to pursuing one’s passion or taking on big challenges like the Heysen Trail. So much of managing diabetes is mental and maintaining a positive outlook is critical to wellbeing.”
The Heysen Trail is 1,200km long, extending from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula to Parachilna in the Flinders Ranges. It is Australia’s longest continuous hiking trail and is recognised internationally as one of the world’s great walks. David and Simeon will traverse the Heysen Trail from Parachilna in the Flinders Ranges to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula over 46 gruelling days.
Diabetes SA is incredibly proud to be associated with this epic journey and will be doing all we can to support David and Simeon, and we need YOUR help to reach the diabetes research target of
$10,000
A great piece of long-distance hiking wisdom is to ‘never quit on a bad day’, recognising that bad days are a small part of the broader journey and we are all pulling together to make this journey the success it deserves to be.
We will keep you updated with the details of the journey and the fundraising efforts every step of the way, and our team look forward to catching up with the hikers as they make their way along the Heysen Trail.
