AN intrepid young boy with diabetes has competed an epic challenge to help other sufferers.
William Facchin completed a 15-mile charity bike ride for Diabetes UK to raise awareness and fund research into this chronic disease.
The eight-year-old, from Wilmslow, was only diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in January last year.
READ > Police warn selfish drivers about blocking pavements
With energy and determination, he rode from Higher Farm in Byley to his home with stepdad Adam in less than two hours, raising £840.
Mum Sam said: “We are so proud of him.
“For an eight-year-old, this is a great achievement.
“It was chucking down with rain and there are a lot of narrow lanes and blind spots.
“Not once did he complain and he followed all of Adam’s instructions.”
The challenging route follows lots of winding roads and is uphill for many miles.
Sam and William’s two-year-old twin brother and sister Gianni and Ophelia, nan Jo and Adam’s mum, Carrie welcomed him home at the finish line with balloons.
William did a victory lap round Stanneylands as family and friends cheered him.
“We couldn’t believe how quickly he did the bike ride,” said Sam.
“As he came round the corner, I filled up. My heart skipped a beat.
“He had a beam as big as a Cheshire cat as he saw us all waving balloons and clapping him.
“William cried out: ‘I did it, I finished’.
“He is still on a high. This has matured him and given his confidence a massive boost.”
William was diagnosed with diabetes after becoming very unwell in January last year.
“From the minute we were sent to A&E, our lives completely changed,” said Sam.
“William’s whole world was turned upside down.”
Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas is not producing insulin, so this has to be given artificially by injection or pump.
For the past month, William has had a constant glucose monitor (CGM), a small device attached to his arm that senses how much glucose is in the fluid under his skin to detect his sugar levels.
This machine sends readings by Bluetooth to an omnipod, fitted to his other arm, which administers insulin whenever necessary.
“We call William our ‘warrior’ because is strong little boy and just gets on with everything,” said Sam.
“People have been really kind and generous. We are absolutely overwhelmed that he has been able to raise so much money.
“William said he really enjoyed it and now wants to think of other things he can do to support this wonderful cause.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here