Mr Hurst is joined by his wife Marina and friends Guy Cook and Raymond Cowcill on the bold journey, which stops in Lithgow today, and which is nearing the halfway mark.

The group has already driven more than 13,000 kilometres as part of the “Hope in a Boat” project, being backed by the Lions Club of Albany, that aims to raise $1 million for Diabetes Research WA.

“I lost my dad to diabetes a year ago and my mum also has the condition so this is a cause that’s very close to me,” said Mr Hurst.

“Our dream with this project is to help Diabetes Research WA fund medical research that may lead to a cure for diabetes.”

“Our local researchers are now on the brink of some incredible breakthroughs, with one team investigating a protein which could help reduce diet-induced obesity and type 2 diabetes and others making inroads into better treatments for type 1 diabetes,” said Diabetes Research WA executive director Sherl Westlund.

“The amazing journey Glen, Marina, Guy and Raymond are going on could fast-track some of these exciting projects.”

Mr Hurst said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support Lions Club members, local businesses and the general public have given us as we’ve been travelling.”

The total number of Australians with diabetes and pre-diabetes is estimated at 3.2 million. In Australia, the number of new cases of diabetes each year would fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground: approximately 275 people develop diabetes every day. The average weight of Australian adults (aged 18-70) has increased by 0.5kg -1kg a year for the last 20 years.

To support the project, call 0427 984 154 or donations can made to:

National Bank

Lions Club of Albany

Around Australia Fundraising

BSB   086-518     A/C   843 831 400     

Diabetes Research WA, based at Royal Perth Hospital, is WA’s longest running diabetes research funding group, and has now distributed more than $4.6 million dollars for this work.

For information, please visit diabetesresearchwa.com.au or call (08) 9224 1006.