A diabetic man from Bexley has embarked on a global tour to take part in 5km runs with people who also live with the condition on each continent.

Gavin Griffiths, 25, was diagnosed with type one diabetes at the age of eight, and was warned that playing sports could have a serious risk to his health.

The adventurer is now on a worldwide tour to reach other people living with type one through a series of runs on what he calls a ‘DiAthlete Global Tour’.

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Starting in Oxford, Gavin has travelled to Gulu, Uganda, and then onto Lisbon, Ghana, and San Jose.

Next on the list is Sao Paulo, and then later in July he will complete the tour in Hong Kong and Fiji.

Gavin said: “On this tour I have been observing different situations people living with type 1 diabetes face in each location, from healthcare uncertainties in the United States, to the struggles to receive the basic and crucial supplies along with the education in Africa.

“However, I have also gained a universal sense of unity and empowerment, through the willingness of local champion advocates I have come across and the incredible level of peer support which exists in the type 1 diabetes cause.”

The pharmaceutical company Sanofi, who produce types of insulin for people with diabetes, have supported Gavin’s 5K running initiative with a grant and the first 5km challenge took place in Klaipeda, Lithuania on May 28.

Since the first run Gavin has brought patients, families and doctors together through the initiative.

The tour will be completed in July.