The Manche family

The 2011 Ride to Cure Diabetes has met another successful challenge to the cycling and diabetes communities to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes while supporting JDRF.

This year the Ride to Cure Diabetes raised over $1 million in critical funds for Australian research in type 1 diabetes thanks to over 300 Riders, who spent the preceding months in creative and industrious fundraising activities as well as training for the spectacular cycle event.

The winner of the 2011 Ride to Cure Diabetes Spirit Award was WA’s Suzan Hope-Blyth, who describes her 11 year old daughter with type 1 diabetes as her hero.

Suzan undertook the 160km challenge with a knee injury that caused her considerable pain. She also shared with the Riders an emotional poem that was inspired by the fears that parents of children with type 1 diabetes face every single day.

Part of Sue’s poem reads:

I have to stay strong, and for her I will fight
We’ll battle this disease with all of our might
I’ll teach her to master and conquer her foe
Diabetes will not stop her, I promised her so.

“I watch my daughter struggle daily with insulin, food, hypos and just trying to fit in as a normal kid. It breaks my heart because I know that she dreams of just one day off, but unfortunately there are no holidays from type 1 diabetes.”

“This challenge was for her.”

JDRF CEO Mike Wilson said, “The Ride to Cure Diabetes is a special event that provides essential support for Australian research, because a cure for type 1 diabetes is possible, and needed urgently.”

In just 5 years the Ride to Cure Diabetes has seen more than $5 million invested into Australian research in type 1 diabetes, with a  spectacular $1.1 million raised this year.

Former Adelaide Crows star Nathan Bassett participated in the Ride to Cure Diabetes for the fifth time. Nathan has type 1 diabetes himself, making this a very personal cause.

“Type 1 diabetes is increasing more and more in Western society, so we really need to find the reasons why, and do something about it.”

JDRF CEO Mike Wilson was thrilled that hundreds of Riders participated. “Australia has one of the highest rates of type 1 diabetes in the world and the rate of new cases in children in this country is rising by 3% every year. This situation is urgent.”

You can still donate to the Ride to Cure Diabetes. Visit the website for more information.

Strap on the helmet and pull on the lycra – the Ride to Cure Diabetes is on again in January 2010. JDRF’s annual cycling event covers the best of the picturesque Barossa Valley with three courses of 35, 80 or 160kms.

Last year the Ride to Cure Diabetes raised over $1.3 million in critical funds for Australian research in type 1 diabetes. Those results are expected to be matched in 2010, with up to 350 Riders expected to don helmets and lycra to support the cause.

Former Adelaide Crows star Nathan Bassett is participating in the Ride to Cure Diabetes for the fifth time. Nathan has type 1 diabetes himself, providing a very personal motivation to support the event.

Nathan Bassett

“Type 1 diabetes increasing more and more in western society, so we need to find the reasons why and do something about it.”

JDRF CEO Mike Wilson is thrilled to see that hundreds of Riders have signed up to support the mission to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.

“The funds raised by the Ride to Cure Diabetes will deliver essential support for local research into type 1 diabetes, because we need to find that cure fast.”

“Australia has one of the highest rates of type 1 diabetes in the world and the rate of new cases in children in this country is rising by 3% every year. This situation is urgent.”

“JDRF supports more than 60 research projects in this country, which represents over 200 researchers. With more therapies in human clinical trials now than ever before, it is an exciting time.”

To sign up or support the Ride to Cure Diabetes, visit www.jdrf.org.au/ride

Matthew was recognised by his employer Macquarie Group in its annual Macquarie Staff Community Awards program, which acknowledges the outstanding community contributions of its staff, as well as the organisations they serve.

The Fundraiser of the Year Award is given to an individual for their innovative and successful fundraising efforts for not-for-profits.

Last year, Matthew organised 60 Macquarie Staff members to participate in the inaugural Spin to Cure Diabetes, raising over $60,000. He has also participated in the Ride to Cure Diabetes since 2005, an event that in 2009 raised $1.3 million in total – $260,000 of that by Macquarie Group.

He also took part in events to raise money for the Smith Family and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The Macquarie Group Foundation matched Matthew’s funds raised for all initiatives.

JDRF CEO, Mike Wilson is very grateful for Matthew’s time and commends his tireless dedication.

“For four years now, I have seen Matthew’s incredible effectiveness in generating support and interest for our cause through a range of large and professional fundraising events such as the Ride and Spin to Cure Diabetes. It has been very valuable to have Matthew as a strong advocate inside Macquarie and we are grateful for his ongoing support of JDRF,” Mike Wilson said.

The $10,000 donated by Matt to JDRF will go towards Australia’s best and most promising type 1 diabetes research, complementing the support already provided by the Macquarie Group Foundation and Macquarie staff around the country.

Julie White, Head of the Macquarie Group Foundation, said the Foundation places great importance on supporting the community efforts of its staff.

“The contribution of Macquarie Group staff – as volunteers, fundraisers, board members of not-for-profit organisations and pro bono service providers – continues to grow from strength to strength, significantly enhancing Macquarie’s overall community effort.

“We are very proud of this year’s record number nominees for the Macquarie Staff Community Awards and I would like to congratulate Matthew on his efforts and the contribution he has made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.”