A devoted dad is gearing up for a gruelling triathlon alongside more than 100 friends and family for his “resilient wee boy” who has the most serious type of diabetes.
Davie Cowie, of Westhill, Aberdeenshire, was initially shocked when Adam, aged nine, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, but the gutsy youngster’s attitude has inspired him to do something to help.
He, along with 107 others, is embarking on an 800-metre swim at Bucksburn swimming pool before heading to Dunecht Estate where they will participate in a 5km run and 20km cycle for charity JDRF, which funds research into therapies and potential cures for the condition.
Adam’s diagnosis came when he was five after attending a friend’s birthday party. He started crying desperately for water, and his shocked parents took him to A&E.
A routine dip test led to the condition being detected, which sees Adam constantly managing his blood glucose levels with insulin injections just to stay alive.
Mr Cowie said: “When the doctor said Adam had type 1 diabetes, it just didn’t sink in. We were in shock. Apart from the way he was crying, due to the thirst, we’d never have known he had type 1 diabetes.
“He lives with his daily routine of eight finger pricks and carb counting, which are essential to stabilise his blood glucose levels and keep him alive but, being a resilient wee boy, he just gets on with it.
“The type 1 diabetes has taken part of his childhood away, but he’s football daft and we’re immensely proud of this inspirational wee boy who doesn’t let the condition stop him from having fun.”
The triathlon challenge is set to take place on September 2, and Mr Cowie has been training every day since March.
He said: “I created the hashtag of diabetesdoesnttakeadayoff and have pushed myself every day. So far, I’ve cycled 1,500 miles, swam 20 miles in the pool and ran 90 miles and still have more than a month to go.
“Having fundraised for JDRF since 2013, each fundraiser has just got bigger.
“I originally started out doing a 30-mile swim where I set myself the challenge of raising £1,000 and exceeded £7,500.
“People were incredibly supportive and generous which is why this time I’m aiming for £10,000.
“If I reach that, then I’m going to make the triathlon an annual event.
“I have to keep raising money for the charity, so a cure can be found for Adam and everyone else affected by Type 1 diabetes.”
JDRF funds research into the condition, research which it is hoped will one day find the cure for Adam and the 30,000 other people in Scotland affecrted by it.
Mr Cowie is a prolific fundraiser for the charity, having raised £15,000 in the last four years.
He has set a target of £10,000 for this latest challenge, and has so far received more than £3,000 in donation pledges.
To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-cowie6