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.

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With energy and determination, he rode from Higher Farm in Byley to his home with stepdad Adam in less than two hours, raising £840.

Knutsford Guardian: William completed the 15-mile bike ride with stepdad AdamWilliam completed the 15-mile bike ride with stepdad Adam (Image: Supplied)

Mum Sam said: “We are so proud of him.

“For an eight-year-old, this is a great achievement.

Knutsford Guardian: William with stepdad Adam, mum Sam and twins Gianni and OpheliaWilliam with stepdad Adam, mum Sam and twins Gianni and Ophelia (Image: Supplied)

“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.”

Knutsford Guardian: William eats some Haribos at a five mile pit stop to keep his sugar levels up as he constantly has to manage his diabetesWilliam eats some Haribos at a five mile pit stop to keep his sugar levels up as he constantly has to manage his diabetes (Image: Supplied)

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.

Knutsford Guardian: William completed the 15-mile charity bike ride in less than two hoursWilliam completed the 15-mile charity bike ride in less than two hours (Image: Supplied)

“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.”

Knutsford Guardian: The 15-mile route of William's charity bike ride took him along windy country lanes from Byley to WilmslowThe 15-mile route of William's charity bike ride took him along windy country lanes from Byley to Wilmslow (Image: Supplied)

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.

Knutsford Guardian: William followed every instruction from stepdad Adam who accompanied him on the charity bike rideWilliam followed every instruction from stepdad Adam who accompanied him on the charity bike ride (Image: Supplied)

“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.”