DRWF Fundraising: Diabetes Dawdle walkers stroll on historic Portsmouth seafront to make a difference
DRWF supporters enjoy a sightseeing walk around Southsea’s waterfront in support of diabetes research and support.
The annual DRWF Diabetes Dawdle returned to Portsmouth recently as the fundraising walk was held.
Around 50 walkers (and one dog!) took part to enjoy a scenic route around Old Portsmouth and esplanade along Southsea seafront.
Thanks to some superb fundraising efforts, more than £1,700 has been donated to ensure that we can continue to deliver on our research and educational commitments.
On the morning of Saturday, 19th September, participants met at the walk starting point – the Still and West pub at Old Portsmouth. The Dawdle comprised two fully signposted coastal routes of either 4.5 or 7 miles, depending which distance you preferred to take on.
On arrival, everyone taking part was provided with a map of the route and a red DRWF T-shirt and enjoyed a refreshing tea or coffee generously laid on by the pub. Water for walkers to keep hydrated on the route was also generously donated by Tesco. Everyone received a voucher for a discounted ice cream available at the midway part of the route, kindly offered by Beaches & Cream on Eastney Esplanade.
Walkers included people living with diabetes and their friends and families, with all ages taking part in the event. Some were walking in support of relatives living with the condition.
DRWF staff organising the event were backed up by a supporting team of volunteers, including first aiders.
Walk this way
The Dawdle took in many sights across the historic Southsea seafront, including the Round Tower, Southsea Castle, South Parade Pier and fantastic views across the Solent.
On their return to the pub, all walkers received a medal to celebrate their achievement. The pub had very kindly prepared a special lunch menu for DRWF supporters who fancied a bite to eat following their exertions of the morning.
Jan Parry, a regular Dawdle participant, said: “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in May 2024, it came as no surprise as I had put on a lot of weight during menopause. My mum, brother, several uncles and cousins all had the same. I have heart and lung problems too and felt I was taking too many pills already, so my brilliant diabetes nurse gave me information about the no carb diet to control the condition. I also took part in Mark Hancock's Health and Wellbeing online course via the NHS. Within two months my blood glucose levels showed I was back to pre-diabetes levels. Withing three months my condition was in remission. I also lost three and a half stone in weight.
“I take part in the Diabetes Dawdle each year because I hope that more research can go into looking at drug-free and dietary preventative solutions to the condition. It is sometimes hard, especially when ice cream is involved!, but my blood numbers give me all the incentive I need. I have watched too many relatives pass away too early in their lives.”
Lucy Watkins said: “Every year we, as a family, look forward to the Diabetes Dawdle for DRWF. It is something that in my daughter’s first year of diagnosis helped pull us out of a slump of feeling, ‘we can’t believe this has happened to our Isabel, why us’.
“The whole event, leading up to it and the exciting day itself helped us feel like we weren’t the only ones going through it.
“Tim, Kerry and the amazing team at DRWF make the ‘Dawdle Day’ so exciting for the whole family, it also gives us a lovely excuse to stop our busy lives and come together for the Dawdle, catch up, enjoy and ice cream half way through and then lunch after.
“We look forward to next year and the challenge of how much we can raise for such an amazing cause! Thank you to you all!”
Kerry Chambers, Community Engagement Fundraiser at DRWF, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for this year's Diabetes Dawdle. Seeing our local community come together to raise funds and awareness for diabetes research and support was truly inspiring, and every step taken will help make a difference.”
Details of the Diabetes Dawdle event and dates for 2027 coming soon! Watch this space!
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