Exmouth teen cycling 600 Miles to help others

Help Josh reach his £1K goal

A 15-year-old Devon boy is gearing up for an epic six-week cycling challenge to support young people living with Type 1 diabetes.

Josh Parnell, from Exmouth, will travel 100 miles every week for six weeks—marking 100 miles for each of the six years since his own diagnosis.

Supported by his dad, James, Josh will split his 600-mile goal between local roads and an indoor turbo trainer.

The teen aims to raise £1,000 for the Paediatric Diabetes Team at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E).

The funds will help 25 young people attend a residential activities weekend at River Dart Country Park this June.

"Diabetes is part of Josh, but he doesn’t let it control him," said his mum, Kay. Despite managing his condition with an insulin pump and monitor, Josh remains an active footballer and qualified referee.

The RD&E provides essential care, specialised trips like these fall outside of standard NHS funding. "Every penny he raises will make a big difference," said Debbie Allen of the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity.

Josh, who has already raised over £700, says he wants to "give something back" to the team that supported him.

You can support Josh’s challenge by clicking here.