New Car Sales Executive Harry Alcock, 20, says support from the NHS and advances in technology have transformed his life. Diabetes runs in Harry’s family. His grandfather sadly passed away due to conditions linked to the chronic disease. His older brother has also been diagnosed with coeliac disease and diabetes.
Harry said: “Diabetes runs in our family and contributed to my grandfather’s death. Thanks to the NHS, research and advances in technology I am able to monitor and control my blood sugar levels using devices and apps, something Grandad could never have dreamt of.
Thanks to all of the support from the NHS I am able to lead a normal life and am able to take on this challenge as my way of saying thank you.”
This year the NHS will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Wednesday 5 July. While others might mark the occasion with tea, cake and balloons, Harry will be jumping on his bike and cycling from Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, to Grantham and District Hospital to Newark Hospital, before finally finishing at Lincoln County Hospital. Along the route he is also planning to visit colleagues at Evans Halshaw in Grantham and Lincoln to make sure he reaches 75 miles in total.
Harry, who lives in Woodhall Spa, is using the challenge to raise funds for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
Gary Burr, who works for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity as a fundraiser, said: “Harry is an inspiration. It will mean so much to our NHS colleagues to see him visit our hospital sites on the birthday of the NHS. His efforts will not only enable our charity to do even more to support patients and staff, but his visit will also put a smile on the faces of so many patients and colleagues.”
Harry said: “I only started cycling in February, but if anyone would like to join me for all, or part of the journey, you will be very welcome. We all have something to be thankful to the NHS for.
“My colleagues at Evans Halshaw have been a great support and I am looking forward to seeing them on the day of the ride.”
Harry has set up a fundraising page, so even if you cannot join him in person you can donate https://gofund.me/99fa5c5e
If you would like to join the ride, please email [email protected]. More information about the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity is available on the website www.ulhcharity.org.uk