A WIVELISCOMBE man with Type 1 diabetes will be walking 117 miles from the south coast to the north of Devon in seven days – crossing Dartmoor and Exmoor – at the end of the month.

Gary Clements, an area customer manager for Honda UK, was inspired to take on the challenge by the company’s Power of Dreams philosophy.

The marathon walk, starting at Wembury Beach on Saturday, August 25, and finishing at Lynmouth the following Friday, is in aid of Diabetes UK.

Gary, who will be accompanied by his friend Graham Bell, will travel with just a rucksack, containing his medication.

He said: “I’ve lived with diabetes for more than 30 years and seen many improvements in managing the condition during that time.

“Having diabetes has never stopped me from doing anything I set my mind to, including flying aeroplanes, skydiving and scuba diving.

“As I approach my mid-life crisis, however, I decided it was time for me to give something back and raise money to support others like myself.

“Managing my diabetes during this walk will be a real challenge and will involve reducing my insulin dosage down to almost nothing during the day while boosting my blood sugar levels with jelly babies as required.”