Gulls players DARE to sign up for diabetes research

Mary Costelloe, Catherine Marshall, Justine Sutton, and Lisa Felmeden with the TUFC players

Published: 22 November 2016

Several players from Torquay United Football Club have shown their commitment to the local community by taking part in a diabetic genetic study run by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT).

The research study, which is run in conjunction with the Diabetes Alliance for Research in England (DARE), looks at blood samples of people with and without diabetes to establish whether there is any genetic link to why they go on to develop diabetes or complications associated with the disease.

Dr Fiona Roberts, Research and Development Director at TSDFT said: “The Torbay and South Devon area has a rising number of people being diagnosed with Diabetes and so this research study is a really important tool in helping address this local health issue.

“The study is open to all members of public over the age of 18 and we are delighted that Dan Sparkes, Courtney Richards, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, and Sam Chaney have agreed to sign up. We hope it will help encourage more local people to do the same.”

Staff in the Diabetes Research Department, based at Torbay Hospital, have been involved with the DARE study for several years and will continue to recruit volunteers with and without diabetes on an on-going basis.

Patrick Tinkler, a spokesperson for Torquay United said: “We were delighted to help in the research study.

“The process was relatively painless, and the players found it satisfying to contribute to something that will help the wider community.”

If you are interested in taking part in the study, please contact the Research and Development Team by email or call 01803 656633.