Adrian Angell Completes SUP Channel Crossing for Diabetes UK

Adrian Angell has crossed the Channel on a paddleboard – from Dungeness to Boulogne – in just under five hours and raised over £2000 for Diabetes UK.

Adrian completed the crossing on Wednesday 13 June for Diabetes UK after his niece Megan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was nine. Currently based in Ohio, America for work, Cumbrian-raised Adrian travelled to the UK to make the daring challenge.

Chemical engineer Adrian, aged 52, said: “We were fortunate to be able to take advantage of a small window of almost perfect weather for the crossing over. The water was very calm as we started out, which made for a fast pace. It wasn’t a record for a crossing but I was happy that I did it in such a fast time! Typically, stand up paddleboards take 7 to 8 hours to cross! We’ve raised £2000 for the charity which is fantastic. It was Megan’s brilliant idea to raise the money for charity and my brothers, Timothy and Stephen, were there with me on the day in the support boat so it’s been a real family effort.”

 People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. It’s the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults, starting suddenly and getting worse quickly. Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump.

Adrian said: “It was a great experience, and I enjoyed every moment. I have been training for the crossing, so once I saw the weather on the day was going to be so good, I was confident and keen to get on the water.  I’d like to thank my trainer, two time Olympic paddler, Larry Cain, and his training programme at Paddle Monster, for getting me in shape for the crossing. Thank you to Bray Lake Watersports, in Maidenhead, for providing the perfect board for the crossing. Thank you to the many friends and family, here in the UK and in the US, who sent encouragement and support through social media and donations. It was really great to know that so many people were rooting for me and praying for my success.”

Lauren Baker, Regional Fundraiser for Diabetes UK, said: “Well done Adrian. I was there on the day cheering him on and he did a fantastic job. Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without the determination and generosity of our incredible fundraisers. The money raised will help fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes.”

You can sponsor Adrian at:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adrian-angell