Exmouth teen sets 600-Mile cycling challenge to support young people with diabetes

A 15-year-old from Exmouth is set to embark on a 600-mile cycling challenge to raise funds for a residential activities weekend for young people living with Type 1 diabetes.

Josh Parnell, who has lived with the condition since he was nine, will start his challenge on 1 March, cycling 100 miles each week for six weeks – one hundred miles for each year he has managed diabetes. 

He plans to complete the challenge by 12 April, combining outdoor rides with his father James and sessions on his indoor turbo trainer.

Josh, a keen footballer with Lympstone Football Club and a qualified referee with Devon FA, uses a continuous glucose monitor connected to an insulin pump to manage his condition. 

READ NEXT: Exeter council tax: How much bills could rise after tonight's budget vote

His mother, Kay Parnell, said Josh “doesn’t let diabetes control him” and embraces challenges with determination.

The money raised will help the Paediatric Diabetes Team at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital fund a residential weekend at River Dart Country Park this June, bringing together 25 young people with Type 1 diabetes. 

The event aims to build confidence, resilience, and peer support among participants. Josh has already raised more than £700 towards his £1,000 target.

Heather Fisher, RD&E Lead Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse, said: “This weekend will give young people the chance to meet others with the same condition, share experiences, and gain confidence in managing their diabetes independently.” 

“We are extremely grateful to Josh for taking on such a challenging fundraising effort.”

Josh said: “I like having a goal to work towards, and supporting the diabetes team who have helped me over the past six years felt like a good way to give something back.”

Debbie Allen, community fundraiser for the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, added: “Josh is an inspiration. Every pound he raises will make a real difference in providing this opportunity, which goes beyond what NHS funding can cover.”

Residents and local supporters are being encouraged to follow Josh’s progress and contribute to his fundraising as he prepares to start his six-week cycling journey.