Diabetes Ireland Releases

In Ireland over 190,000 people are living with diabetes, among this group there are about 30,000 people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. A further 146,000 people are estimated to have pre-diabetes and many of these will develop diabetes, if they do not make the necessary lifestyle changes in terms of improving their diet and increasing their levels of regular exercise. 

Since June 2010, over 700 people have taken to the moonlit streets of Dublin for the Diabetes Ireland ‘Lunar Walk ’ collectively raising over €120,000 for Diabetes Ireland and walking an incredible 120,000 Km between them (30 Km each).

This year Diabetes Ireland is holding Lunar Walks in Cork and Dublin. The Cork Lunar Walk will take place on Saturday May 26^th and the Dublin Lunar Walk will take place on Saturday June 16^th.  Walkers will also now have the option to walk 20 Km or 30 KM under the stars for Diabetes Ireland. These are nights not to be missed.

Funds generated from the Lunar Walks go directly to Diabetes Ireland and fund important on-going and new services which aim to improve the lives for those living with diabetes in Ireland. Walkers will be able direct their funds to services of their choice such as the Diabetes Ireland national helpline service, children and teen services or research projects.

The Lunar Walks will be a breath of fresh air for all involved.

The routes for Lunar Walks have been carefully planned by Ireland’s renowned tour guide, Pat Liddy. Walkers will take in historical sites along their route to include ancient bridges and buildings, famous streets and statues and picturesque parks and seafronts. A 6 week training pack is given to all walkers who register.

On completion of the challenge walkers will be treated to breakfast in Dublin’s Ashling Hotel or Cork’s Rochestown Park Hotel where they can rest their feet and feast on a well-deserved treat.

Kieran O’ Leary, CEO of Diabetes Ireland explains, “With such a huge number of people at risk of developing diabetes in the future, this year we have expanded the walk to Cork and also introduced a 20km route in the hope of encouraging those who want to get out there and do something positive for themselves in terms of their health by giving them a target. The walks are designed to be non-competitive, fun and enjoyable for all”.    

To register for the Dublin or Cork Lunar Walk, Log onto www.diabetes.ie .Call Kate on 1850 909 909 or email kate.moran@diabetes.ie

Photocall images taken and captioned by Larry Cummins will be distributed to newsdesks today. RTE’s Operation Transformation star Grace Battersby from Castletown, Roache, Co. Cork – lent her support to launch the charity walk.

NOTES:

Diabetes Federation of Ireland is an Irish registered charity: CHY No: 6906

About Diabetes Ireland:

Diabetes Ireland is the national charity dedicated to providing support, education and motivation to all people affected by diabetes. Diabetes Ireland also raises public awareness of diabetes and its symptoms and funds Irish-based research into diabetes. For more information about diabetes, contact the Diabetes Helpline on (1850) 909 909 or www.diabetes.ie  

For further information please contact: Kate Moran, PR and Events Coordinator

Diabetes Federation of Ireland, 76 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1.

E: kate.moran@diabetes.ie / P: 1850 909 909 / D: 01 876 4571