A DAD will be taking on Ride London to support his daughter who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes.

Brian Sheppard, from Weymouth, is taking on the ride in support of his daughter Claire who has two young children and was diagnosed in October last year.

He is hoping to raise vital funds and awareness of the effects of sugar and diabetes and how it can affect anyone.

He is tackling Ride London for the third year but in support of Diabetes UK for the first time.

Brian said: “I want to show a bit of support for what she is going through.

“Diabetes UK have been really supportive of us, they’ve been really great.”

Brian was targeting to raise £700 for the charity but has already met his goal.

Claire now has to undertake strict diet control to manage her diabetes and has made lifestyle changes which she says are to help her be able to watch her two young children grow up.

She added just how proud she is of her dad.

She said: “I’m very proud of him for doing it, 100 miles is a long way.

“I’m very lucky to have supportive family and friends behind me.

“I didn’t realise how sugar can cause these effects, I’d never thought about it before.”

As well as raising the money, a key part of taking on the challenge for Diabetes UK is raising awareness of how the illness can affect anyone.

Brian said: “I think a lot of people don’t realise that they could be affected by this.

“She was going along happy without realising this was going on.”

Claire is currently managing the illness well and also wants to help raise awareness of the often life changing condition.

Whilst she can’t go and support her dad on the day because she has two young children she wants to help raise as much money and awareness as possible.

She said: “I’m fine at the moment.

“I’m only 34 and I’ve got it. It’s not always about being old or overweight.

“I want to help raise awareness and get as much fundraising as possible.”

As well as raising the money though, Brian is looking forward to getting on his bike and taking on the route once again.

He said: “This is the third year running.

“The feeling when you go down the Mall is great.”

The Prudential Ride London 100 is part of the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics and part of the route is the same as the 2012 Road Race.

Diabetes UK provides help and support to people with the condition to allow them to better manage their condition.