A ROWING coach for the Tamar and Tavy Gig Club will be swapping paddles for pedals this weekend, to cycle from London to Paris for Diabetes UK.

Bill Stacey Norris will leave Greenwich tomorrow (Friday), before crossing the channel and heading down the river Seine to Paris, then up the Champs Elysée to finish under the Eiffel Tower.

Bill is a type one diabetic, which means he has to control his insulin by injections. But he has not let this stand in his way, partaking in mountain marathons and long distance cycle events, along with coaching rowing for juniors at Weir Quay and adults at Mount Batten.

Bill will be part of a team of 25 type one diabetics aiming to raise in excess of £37,000 that will make a real difference to people.

Bill said: 'Covering 300 miles in three days will be a good challenge.

'Having to work out your carb intake and balancing it out with the energy you use is a good discipline, one you really need to get right.

'Too much insulin could induce a coma and too little means you are unable to get energy to the much needed muscles.

'Most people's bodies regulate their sugars between a range of five and seven. For us we inject insulin to maintain this balance — a simple sandwich could push your sugars up to a dangerous level.

'Having a great group of friends to help has been brilliant with the help of Sheila, Gill, Julie and Frances from Yelverton.

'We have raised more than £1,500 towards our target by holding a fantastic cake sale.

'Diabetes can affect anyone at any time and is not just unfit and sedentary types, how we deal with it makes the difference.

'We are lucky in our area with brilliant centres in Yelverton and Tavistock that support us.

'A hundred people a week in the UK have a lower limb amputated as a result of diabetes and many more may lose their sight without the care given by the centres.'

Anyone who would like to support Bill's cause, even if it is just a small amount, visit [email protected]&quot">[email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected]&quot">[email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected]