A retired grandad with type 2 diabetes is planning a challenge of a lifetime in a bid to raise money for charity, Diabetes UK.

Keith Winstanley, from Staffordshire, is a retired Navy Commodore who is gearing up to take part in a round-the-world yacht race.

The 58-year-old will sail more than 17,000 miles as he joins the second leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to South Africa next week.

Keith, who is a grandfather to three children, will sail to South African, Australia, China and America. He has self-funded the trip and he will be at sea for a total of 96 days.

Speaking to his local newspaper, the Express and Star, he said: “I’m so looking forward to the challenge and also raising money for Diabetes UK and the National Autistic Society. “I was diagnosed while I was in the Royal Navy back in the mid-1990s. It was a shock at the time but, while I was serving, I managed it with tablets. Since I left the Navy, about six years ago, I have used insulin to manage my condition.

“I’m keen to prove what you can do while living with diabetes. I have good control and use technology to help myself, but there is no doubt that managing it, along with the gruelling demands of sailing every day, will be tough.”

Julie Wood, Diabetes UK Midlands fundraising manager, said: “We’re so grateful to Keith for choosing Diabetes UK as a charity to benefit from this awe-inspiring adventure.

“This challenge will be physically and mentally exhausting for all involved, but Keith’s generous fundraising will support our work to fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes.”

For those who wish to sponsor Keith can donate on his Just Giving page.

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