TWO DOLGELLAU sisters are taking on the 1 Million Step Challenge in support of their dad, who has Type 2 diabetes.

Claire Pilkington’s dad, John Williams, 70, was diagnosed with the condition 35 years ago.

Diabetes UK Cymru’s 1 Million Step Challenge takes place between 1 July, and 30 September, and invites people to push themselves out of their comfort zone by taking one million steps over three months and get sponsored for every stride.

It will take Claire and sister, Katherine Roberts, at least 10,000 steps a day to reach their million.

John has experienced a number of complications related to his condition in recent years.

Claire, 38, said: “I was only three when dad was diagnosed so I don’t really remember life before he had diabetes. In the beginning he coped really well; he worked in forestry and being so physically active really helped him manage his condition.

“A few years later he became a carer and since then it has become a lot harder. He has had kidney failure and lots of other problems as a complication of his diabetes.

“I don’t think people realise how serious Type 2 diabetes is; we certainly didn’t when dad was diagnosed. My sister Katherine and I wanted to take part in the 1 Million Steps Challenge to raise awareness of the seriousness of the condition. It’ll also encourage us both to get a bit fitter.

“I am a hairdresser so am on my feet all day, but I know I’ll need to work a bit harder to reach 10,000 each day. My children are keen to get involved and help me reach the total.”

Wales has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the UK, with 7.1 per cent of people aged 17 and over living with the condition. 90 per cent of those individuals have Type 2 diabetes.

As well as this, almost 60,000 people in Wales are believed to have Type 2 diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed. If poorly managed, Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications such as amputation, kidney problems, heart attack and stroke.

Joseph Cuff, fundraising manager, Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “We’re so grateful to Claire for getting her family together to take up our challenge, in support of her dad, John. The money she raises will help raise vital funds to help other people living with diabetes in Wales, and their families.

“People can walk it, jog it or dance it! There are so many ways people can reach one million steps. You can take on the challenge alone or get your family, friends and colleagues involved. You can even split the million steps between a team to make it easier.

Every penny raised will help us to support the millions of people living with diabetes in the UK so please give generously to back Claire and support her efforts.”