Summit of Devils Tower Wyoming

Born in Wales on the 5th May 1970, I became an insulin dependent diabetic in the spring of 1995. I had just been on a climbing trip to Belgium and had been feeling tired and dehydrated all week so on my return I popped in to my doctor, 48 hours later I was out of hospital sat at home with a bag of needles and pots of insulin.

Having previously been an active climber, mountaineer and mountain biker I was concerned that this may curtail my travels. I put my mind to ensuring that the diabetes would not restrain my enjoyment of the outdoors and to that end I entered my first two day mountain marathon. Competing successfully and ahead of my expectations, I gained the confidence and understanding that my condition would not restrict my life. Over the next two years I

On the summit of Ice Mountain, Colorado

entered a number of running and biking events culminating in the Three Peaks Yacht race. This race sails up the west coast of Britain. Starting in Wales, it heads past England and finishes in Scotland and requires two runners to go from port to summit and back on each of the highest mountains in the three countries.

During my time as a climber and mountaineer I have spent two seasons in the French Alps, a couple of winters on ice in England and Wales, climbed around France, Spain and the UK. I have also cycled across France. In 1997 I moved from Britain to Colorado where I have continued my interest in the outdoors, summitting fourteen 14ers (skiing from two summits), climbing around Colorado (Black Canyon, Rocky Mountains and the South Platte). I have also traveled to Utah, Wyoming and Nevada to climb and bike.

Since the birth of my daughter Jules, I have had less time to compete but have continued to enjoy climbing in Colorado, including carrying Jules to her first 14,000ft summit before her first birthday.

For me the outdoors is where living takes on its true colours, each time we step out, we start a challenge and its these challenges that give us life. Diabetes is a challenge, but one which has spurred me on to greater enjoyment in life, and I hope through IDEA2000 and trips with other diabetics to inspire all diabetics to take on their own challenge and succeed. 

Summits

• Aconcagua, Argentina (22,834ft)
• Orizaba, Mexico (18,410 ft)
• 15 Colorado summits over 14,000ft plus numerous others
• North Palisade (14,242 ft), Sierras
• Aiguille de Tour, Aiguille d'Argentière, Dome De Miage, Aiguille Rouge in the Chamonix Alps, France.
• Mt Gioberny and others in the Ecrins, France
• All Summits over 3,000ft in Wales. Also done in one day!

Rock Climbing

• Many areas in Wales and England, including, Snowdonia, Tremadog, Anglesea, Pembroke, Cornwall, Lundy, Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire...
• France and Belgium including Fontainebleu, Chamonix, Dentelles de Montmirail, Sisteron...
• Majorca, Costa de Sol in Spain
• USA, Moab Utah, Devils Tower, Needles South Dakota, Red Rocks Nevada, Colorado; Black Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, South Platte, Boulder.

Biking

• Mtn States Cup (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico) (2002)
• Iron Horse Classic Durango (2000)
• Laramie Enduro(1999)
• Black forest MTB (2000)
• Polaris 2 day MTB event, UK (competed and finished twice, 1996, 1997)

Running

• Colorado Relay 170 mile run (2001)
• Race for the cure 5Km (12 Aug 01) 92 overall and, 23/152 in age
• Barr Trail Mountain Race, 12 Miles, 3630ft climb/decent (15 July 2001) 91/183
• Garden of the Gods 10 miler (June 2001, 271/737), (June 1999,  243/589)
• Fall Series each year from 1997 - 2004
• Georgetown to Idaho Springs half marathon (12 August 2000) 609/1398
• Bolder Boulder (June 1999)
• Race for the Cure 5k (Sept 1998) 125/467
• Pikes Peak Ascent(August 1998) 458/1009
• Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon (competed and finished twice, 1996, 1997)

MultiSport

• Pueblo Y-Bi Classic Duathlon (1999)
• Three peaks yacht race (1997)

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