East Renfrewshire PT using UWS facilities to prepare for Diabetes fundraiser

Gordon Hill, from Waterfoot, East Renfrewshire, is using an environmental chamber at the University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) Lanarkshire campus to simulate the extreme conditions he will face on the climb, which he is undertaking to raise funds for Diabetes UK.

The chamber can recreate environments as harsh as deserts or high-altitude peaks, allowing Gordon to train at altitudes of up to 5895 metres — the height of Kilimanjaro’s summit.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease which causes the body to produce little to no insulin, and requires lifelong insulin therapy to maintain blood sugar levels.

Climbing at altitude poses additional risks for people with the condition as high levels of exertion and physical stress can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate unpredictably, making careful monitoring essential.

Gordon said: "Living with diabetes is a daily challenge which requires constant monitoring - from what you can eat to what exercise you do and how it all affects blood sugar levels.

"But it doesn’t have to hold you back.

"I’ve always been into sports, which really helps with managing my diabetes, as regular exercise is important in helping with blood sugar control.

"As a PT, staying active is also part of my job, however, I’ve never set myself a goal like climbing Kilimanjaro. I wanted to challenge myself.

"Doing this climb is important to me not only to raise funds for Diabetes UK, but also to hopefully inspire others with the condition that they can do what they put their mind to."

As part of his preparations, Gordon will complete a series of sessions using the chamber’s treadmill, helping him acclimatise to reduced oxygen levels.

His training will also provide UWS researchers with an opportunity to study the effects of altitude on individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Personal trainer Gordon Hill will use the facility at the University of the West of Scotland’s Lanarkshire campus to prepare for a charity hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro (Image: UWS)

Professor James Miller, principal and vice-chancellor at UWS, said: "Gordon is an inspiration to us all, and we are honoured to be able to support him in preparing for this climb in aid of Diabetes UK.

"Our state-of-the-art environmental chamber has helped many athletes prepare for major sporting events, while allowing our researchers to study the impact of physical activity in extreme environments.

"By collaborating with Diabetes UK in supporting Gordon, we aim to learn more about the needs of those with type 1 diabetes in this kind of setting, something which we hope will have real world impact in deepening understanding and management of the condition."

Gordon's Kilimanjaro hike is scheduled to take place this September.

Donations can be made to support his fundraiser via:  https://tinyurl.com/mtx93ff9.

Jenn Hall, national director of Diabetes Scotland said: “We are so grateful to Gordon for taking on this immense challenge in aid of Diabetes UK and for leading the charge in showing what people living with diabetes can achieve.

"Every pound raised will help us fund more research for new treatments, campaign for better care, and provide vital support to people who need us through our helpline.”