A west Cumbrian man is preparing for his latest fundraising challenge despite the coronavirus outbreak scuppering his original plans.

Adrian Angell, is originally from Seascale but now lives in Cincinnati in the USA. He had planned to fly back to the UK in June so he could paddle-board each of the major lakes in the Lake District, clocking 100 miles along the way to raise cash for Diabetes UK.

However, the Covid-19 outbreak has meant that Adrian, 54, must remain in America for the time being – so instead he will paddle 50 miles along the Ohio River on June 20.

Adrian still intends to complete the Lake District challenge when travel restrictions have been eased.

He said: “Staying local to Ohio and paddling 50 miles in one shot will be a challenge in itself.

“It will also be good training for when I am able to take on paddle-boarding the lakes of the Lake District.”

Adrian, a chemical engineer who has lived in the USA since 1995, has raised money for Diabetes UK in the past, by paddle-boarding the English Channel in 2018 and the 57 miles from Fort William to Inverness last year. He began fundraising following a suggestion from his niece, Megan, 24, from Derby, who has type 1 diabetes and has received help and support from the charity since her diagnosis.

“It really was all my niece’s idea. She said ‘you like paddle-boarding. You should paddle across the English Channel and raise money for Diabetes UK’. I was like ‘yeah OK, I’ll do that!’ When I was looking for something to do this year, I figured that all the lakes lengths added up to about 50 miles – so I thought I’d do two lengths and make it 100 miles in total. It’s got to be difficult enough for people to want to donate.

“Diabetes UK is a great cause. The charity carries out pioneering, world-class research and the impact of that research can improve the lives of people all over the globe. Some of that research has already benefited Megan, with better treatments and technologies available to help her live well.”

To sponsor Adrian visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adrian-angell3