An Exmouth man is set to put on his running shoes to try to raise £50,000 for type one diabetes research.

Colin Rowland, 58, who has lived with diabetes for 50 years, wants to show young children with the condition that they can achieve anything.

He will take part in the Great North Run, Three Peaks Challenge, Berlin Marathon and finish seven months of events at the New York Marathon in November.

Colin urged people to get behind his efforts in raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the leading international organisation for type one diabetes research.

Colin, of Hulham Road, said: “I wanted to participate in a variety of challenge events that would both push me and, hopefully, inspire young people, who also live with the condition, to aspire to reach and surpass their own expectations in life.

“Having witnessed the significant research breakthroughs that have taken place in the last 10 years alone, I am convinced that we are on the cusp of finding a cure.”

Lee Newman, from JDRF, is delighted that Colin wants to raise money for the organisation.

He said: “The next seven months of fundraising prove how committed Colin is to raising awareness of type one diabetes and raising funds to support type one diabetes research.

“We are grateful to Colin for everything he is doing for JDRF and for everyone who lives with type one diabetes.”

Colin has spent 15 years working for Diabetes UK and American charity the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as a motivational speaker and fundraiser for children with the condition.

If you would like to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/50yearsandstillrunning. Alternatively, visit www.jdrf.org.uk.