Blog #4 The Power of Role Models

Last week I spent one week travelling by bicycle and by car across the United Kingdom meeting dozens and dozens of people whom have had or are having their doors of inspiration opened by Team Novo Nordisk. The 'Pedal for 7' is an absolutely fantastic initiative instigated by Becky Hess in the Novo Nordisk UK affiliate. The idea is that with Team Novo Nordisk ambassadors a number of Novo employee's and local T1D patients join together to travel across the country by bicycle stopping in at numerous hospitals, universities, health care centres and diabetes support groups along the way to spread the empowering message of Team Novo Nordisk to local diabetes communities. This team really is a new generation of role models of Steve Renouf's for those whom now live with the challenges of T1D. The amount of people from all walks of life whom have told me that the message we are sharing has changed their perspective of diabetes is staggering. The message is so powerful and when shared with everyday PROOF by cycling across the English countryside is even more powerful.

Along the way I even got to meet young Andrew, Ben, Thomas, Peter and Louis whom all are young cyclists living with T1 and are so motivated by the team's message that they have a dream to one day be a part of the team. Events like the Pedal for 7 bring people and stories like this out of the woodwork and help remind me of how important and special the message I get to share is. It really is changing people’s lives for the better.

For young people to now look up to our team as role models is a very humbling experience and one which carries with it a strong sense of responsibility also. Steve Renouf remained revered among the diabetes and sporting communities in Australia as he maintained a down to earth and approachable attitude which made his message even more powerful especially for young kids like myself. Professional athletes can often get swept up in the attention, chaos and drama of professional sport. Because the riders on Team Novo Nordisk all know they are carrying something far more important than their sport or themselves onto the road each race I think they are all commendably approachable and kind. Hence, the continuing success of the team and the power of it's message. Events like the Pedal for 7 are a huge testament to this and the down to earth attitude of the team and those who sponsor it.

Without the marketing and communication surrounding events like this the 'role model power' of this team falls upon very few ears and eyes. Often those that most are in need of inspiration are not at bike races or looking at sports Facebook pages. But they are in hospital and they are regularly interacting with the HCP's that I had the pleasure to chat with about Team Novo Nordisk during the Pedal for 7 in the UK. I know how important this message and this exposure is as I have lived it, both as someone in need of a role model and now as sharing the stories of role models for the next crop of people with T1 waiting to live and thrive DESPITE the challenges they have in their path.

If you need some inspiration whatever you are setting out to achieve, go searching for a role model. I am SURE you will find one!

Justin Morris