A SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD boy with diabetes is taking on a three month long challenge, walking one million steps to prove that he 'won't let the condition get in his way'.

Cyrus Bailey, a student at Woodroffe School Sixth Form is spending his summer walking to raise money for Diabetes UK.

He is taking on the one million steps challenge, meaning he will have to walk more than 10,000 steps a day for the next three months.

Cyrus, who lives in Pilsdon, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

People with type 1 diabetes have to have daily insulin injections to manage their condition. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with insulin, diet and lifestyle to prevent complications. Despite active research, type 1 diabetes has no cure.

Cyrus' challenge began on Thursday, July 1 and will continue through to the end of September.

He said: "I think it’s a great opportunity to get outside and to be able to raise for charity.

"It’s definitely a bit of a challenge, it’s a lot further than I usually walk, it’s something you have to really engage with and get out there and do, but it is really rewarding.

"I have struggled with my diabetes on numerous occasions, both mentally and physically. You always have to be aware of it and look after yourself. It’s a struggle to look after yourself properly and it really takes a toll on people’s mental and physical wellbeing.

"People can be defeated by this and I want to raise awareness and show people the support network is out there. I’m also doing this to prove that I can and that my diabetes is not going to get in my way.

Cyrus is fundraising to help others with the same condition. He started out with an aim of raising £1,000 and just days after beginning his campaign had already reached the £500 halfway mark.

He said: "It’s amazing how much has been raised so quickly and how generous people have been.

"I posted it on to my social media accounts at the start of July July and people started to donate immediately - I hope I can raise a lot more."

To donate to Cyrus' cause, visit www.step.diabetes.org.uk/fundraising/cy2022