A 35-YEAR-OLD Dorset man is to ride 20km in his wheelchair from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks to help raise funds for a local support group for people with diabetes.

Lee Nevitt from Southbourne was diagnosed with a rare form of Type 1 diabetes in May 2007 that developed over a period of four years.

But Lee was embarrassed about his condition and couldn’t accept he was unwell so he resisted going to the doctors.

As a result of his diabetes being left undiagnosed for so long, Lee developed severe neuropathy – a painful complication of diabetes that affects the nerves and prevents Lee from walking long distances.

Since being diagnosed, Lee has been unable to work and his life has changed completely. He now works alongside Diabetes UK in raising awareness of diabetes.

Lee's ride on June 19 coincides with Diabetes UK's Diabetes Week and he hopes to raise £1,000 for the charity as well as raise awareness of diabetes and its complications.

“I’m hoping the event will attract a lot of support,” said Lee. “I’ve written to all of the local schools asking them to get involved and I’m also holding a coffee morning to discuss how we can start up a support group for others living with the condition in the area.

“I have called my Diabetes Challenge ‘Don’t Suffer in Silence’ as I want to highlight the complications of diabetes which are often not obvious for people to see, but they are a reality and people need to be more aware of them.

“I also want to say to young people who live with diabetes, not to hide away but talk about their condition. I want them to know that there are other people like them, people they can talk to and share experiences with.

“My overall message to young people who think they may be ill is: ‘Don’t be embarrassed, go to the doctor.’ It is so much better to be checked out than leave it to get worse.”

And he added: “My long-term goal is to create and maintain a Diabetes UK Support group for people with diabetes in the Bournemouth area so they can come together and support one another.”

Zoë Steer, of Diabetes UK in the South West, added: “We are so grateful to Lee for all his hard word and support. He is an inspiration to others who live with diabetes. We hope the local people will join together with Lee and support him with his challenge to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.”