Adrian Angell, a fundraiser from the Cumbrian coast, has paddle boarded over 36 miles in just eight hours across the Irish Sea, to raise funds to help people affected by diabetes.
Adrian, who hails from the Cumbrian coast, but now lives in Cincinnati completed the paddleboard challenge on 9th May 2023, after months of preparation.
Adrian, 57, who grew up in Seascale, set off from the Point of Ayre, the most northern point on the Isle of Man, at 8am. He said: "I started out with the current which helped, but the hardest part was for five miles from miles 10 to 15, the wind was coming from the south, so I was getting hit by waves from one side, and I thought if it stayed like that the whole way it would be very tough. That was the mentally toughest part."
The chemical engineer, who has lived in the USA since 1995, paddle boarded through thick fog for some of the journey, relying on his support boat to guide him through safely. Towards the end of the crossing, the wind was calm and Adrian landed in Seascale in beautiful sunny weather just after 4pm.
He was cheered over the finish line at Seascale by a group of local supporters and his brother Tim, who'd travelled up from Norfolk to support him.
Adrian has raised thousands of pounds for Diabetes UK since he started fundraising in 2018 by crossing the English Channel on a paddleboard. He's been raising money for the charity after a close family member with type 1 diabetes suggested it to him.
Adrian added: "I want to personally thank everyone who has supported Diabetes UK through this fundraiser either financially, through loan of equipment, sharing advice and connecting me with resources, sharing the story to raise awareness of Diabetes, and for coming out to support me on the day."
Clare Howarth, Head of the North of England at Diabetes UK said: "A huge thank you to Adrian for taking on this incredible challenge and supporting the millions of people affected by diabetes across the UK.
"We're incredibly grateful for your hard work and dedication. Without the help of generous supporters like you, we simply would not be able to offer support to the thousands of people with diabetes contacting our helpline, to campaign to keep people with diabetes safe in the workplace, or to invest in vital research - taking us a step closer to our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm."
There's still time to support Adrian's fundraising effort by heading to his Just Giving page.
