Ridgeway and Vale Diabetes Expeditions

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About Us

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Background and People

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Ridgeway and Vale Diabetes Expeditions walking group was established by Dr Tony Knight the Consultant in Charge at the Diabetes Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital Aylesbury, to encourage  patients with diabetes to manage their condition by taking regular exercise. 

Over some twenty-five years Dr Knight organised annual week-long walking Expeditions for parties of diabetic patients from Stoke Mandeville and other clinics.

Starting originally with the Ridgeway, each year a group of patients would tackle a national trail, walking for 60-70 miles and staying in local accommodation en route. Since then, monthly weekend walks in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire have been added to Ridgeway and Vale Diabetes Expeditons' activities.   


The annual expeditions have also proved a valuable source of experience for medical staff specialising the treatment of diabetes. Acting as volunteers on the expeditions, they are able to accompany and observe diabetic patients all day every day as they undertake strenuous but regulated exercise.

On Dr Knight’s retirement a number his patients decided to continue with these expeditions. It was decided to put the organisation onto a formal footing. A constitution was been agreed and a Committee formed.   The basic documents and Committee Minutes are held by the Hon Secretary.  The venture has the support of Dr Knight’s successor at Stoke Mandeville, Dr Stephen Gardner.
Dr Knight is now our Honorary Life President.

The Members of the Committee are:


Chairman                   - Ingram Murray

Hon Secretary                 - Xenia Murray

Hon Treasurer           - Ivy Model 

Quartermaster            - Kevin Jackson
Walks Organiser        - David Lipyeart

Hon Medical Adviser  - Dr. Kate Allen

Committee Members  - Chantal Bryant

                                            - George Chapman

                                     - Dr. Janet Ewart

                                     - Erin Lee                            


The expeditions continue to be supported by a charitable fund managed by the Bucks Hospitals NHS Trust, which meets about half the cost of each expedition by means of a grant.  To top up this fund, we rely on sponsorship from the drug companies and other suppliers
to the NHS. 


If you are interested in becoming a member please click on our membership page

Membership

Tel: 01525 240 350 email: rvdiabeteswalks@btinternet.com