Newbury team to take on three peaks challenge tomorrow (Friday)

Staff from Ascensia Diabetes Care aiming to raise vital funds for charity

STAFF from a Newbury-based diabetes care company will be taking on the mighty Three Peaks Challenge this weekend to raise funds for type 1 diabetes charity JDRF.

The team from Ascensia Diabetes Care will join 33 participants from across the UK in tackling the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday.

The national Three Peaks Challenge encompasses the Highland peak and highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike in Cumbria and Snowdon in north Wales.

The challenge requires completion in just 24 hours – a mighty task for even the most seasoned hiker.

With a passion for helping those living with this condition, the Ascensia team, whose office is located off Albert Road, Newbury, wanted to take on a significant challenge that could raise funds to support people with type 1 diabetes.

The company works to improve the lives of diabetes patients by creating solutions and tools that help them manage their condition, simplifying and improving their lives as a result.

The group aims to raise £5,000 by completing the three climbs, covering a total of 42km horizontal distance and 3,000 vertical metres.

Talking about their motivation to take part in the gruelling event, Ros Barker, country head UK of Ascensia Diabetes Care, said: “We decided to take on this challenge because we wanted to do something to help the diabetes community.

“In our job at Ascensia, we see the importance of research in type 1 diabetes and felt we could raise some money to help make a difference for people with type 1 diabetes.”

JDRF provides funding for type 1 diabetes research. The charity’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat the condition and its complications.

For more information, visit jdrf.org.uk or follow @JDRFUK on Twitter.