Bosses from two oil and gas companies with a presence in the north-east have teamed up on a sponsored walk to raise money for a type 1 diabetes charity.
Peter Jones, managing director of Taqa Europe, and Erik-Jan Bijvank, Stork’s senior vice president for the UK and Africa, will lead more than 650 people on a five kilometre walk at Drum Castle today.
They hope to raise £75,000 for JDRF.
Mr Bijvank said: “JDRF funds the vital research that will cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes and its complications. They focus on investing in projects that will transform the lives of people, whilst also improving treatments today until they find the cure. More research has been conducted in the last five years than the past 50, and JDRF’s researchers are on the verge of real scientific breakthroughs. However, finding that cure isn’t easy or inexpensive.
“On the run up to the One Walk I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community. Individuals, families and companies throughout the area are rallying together to get behind a crucially worthwhile cause, through personal commitment and dedication.
“Each year, the JDRF One Walk brings families, friends and colleagues together to aid a charitable cause, working together in teams and also have lots of fun whilst doing it.”
Mr Jones, who heads up the JDRF Scotland Development Group, said: “Aberdeen is facing its own crisis at the moment, so to see so many give up their time for those living with type 1 diabetes is fantastic. It shows the strength of people when they come together for a great cause and the One Walk is a brilliant way to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes – a serious and complex condition – while helping JDRF fund vital research.
“Scotland has one of the highest incidences of type 1 in the world, with 29,000 adults and children living with the condition. Research is already making huge advances in terms of its day-to-day management, but it is the possibility of a cure which gives us all hope.”
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