AN uncle and nephew are teaming up for a gruelling 100km race around London at night.

Liam Miller (23), a sales engineer with JML Controls in Alloa, and his uncle, Bill Miller (56), will complete the course in aid of Diabetes UK.

The Nightrider challenge – not to be confused with the Hasselhoff-starring eighties TV series – see cyclists take in the capital’s sights such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Canary Wharf and Piccadilly Circus from late in the evening on 7 June into the early hours of the morning.

It will be the second time Liam, who has Type 1 diabetes, has attempted the challenge, having completed it last year with Bill.

Their time then came to 6 hours and 50 minutes which included around 45 minutes stopping for breaks and one unfortunate puncture just shy of Tower Bridge.

Former Alloa Academy pupil, Liam said, “My uncle and I took part in Nightrider last year and raised over £600. We had such a fantastic time that we’re doing it all over again for Diabetes UK. We chose to ride for Diabetes UK because it is a very important cause for me and my family. I have had Type 1 diabetes since 2003, my brother has had it since 2012 and my dad long before that.” Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly and if not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications such as blindness and kidney failure.

As many as 7 million people are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and if current trends continue, an estimated 5 million people will have diabetes by 2025.  Liam continued, “Diabetes UK always has someone on the end of a phone or computer to help, and any questions about diabetes are answered on their website. All the charity events they organise are always fun for the whole family. I thought it would be good to get an event organised to raise some money to give a little bit back to the charity, so I ended up roping my uncle in to completing Nightrider as we are keen cyclists. We hope to take part every year now.” Roz Rosenblatt, Diabetes UK London Regional Manager, added, “We’d like to say thank you to Liam and Bill for their fundraising efforts as the money raised will, among other things, help us support the 340,000-plus people in London living with diabetes and identify some of the 119,000 people in the capital who have Type 2 but have not been diagnosed.” To sponsor Liam and William, visit www.justgiving.com/miller-nightrider2014.