WALKERS are limbering up for the UK's biggest sponsored event.

The Diabetes UK Great North Walk is expected to attract more than 5,000 competitors on July 15.

The competition - the sister event of the Great North Run - raises thousands of pounds for various charities each year.

The event is backed by Darlington MP Alan Milburn, The Northern Echo and TV weatherman Bob Johnson.

Also supporting this year's walk is Gary Blakie, a 22-year-old athlete from Sunderland, who overcame type 1 diabetes to compete in national and world triathlon championships.

"The Great North Walk is a fantastic event," said Mr Blakie, who hopes to compete in the triathlon world championships later this year.

"At the walk you get to meet all kinds of people with similar interests to you, and you can use it as a springboard to starting a healthier lifestyle."

Diabetes UK, the event's main sponsor, funds diabetes support services and vital medical research. Mr Blakie, who was diagnosed with diabetes ten years ago, helps the charity by taking guest speaker sessions and raising sponsorship from his races.

"Diabetes UK does great work nationwide, and its staff help people like me in all kinds of ways," he said.

"I struggled for along time to manage my diabetes and it really affected my form for a while.

"Diabetes can make or break your race. It was really frustrating, especially when I knew that something outside of my control was holding me back.

"But once you learn how to manage it, it shouldn't affect you.

"If you are persistent, you can work around it.

"Events such as the Great North Walk can really raise the profile of Diabetes UK, and help to show that there is no reason why the condition should hold anyone back."

The walk follows a nine mile route around Darlington, taking in some of the North-East's most scenic countryside.

Organisers have arranged a three-mile route for wheelchairs, pushchairs and toddlers, and a four-mile route for under 16s.

Participants will be presented with a limited edition event T-shirt, souvenir medal and finishers goody bag.

To apply, fill in the form in today's Northern Echo, visit www.greatwalk.org or call 01325-388157. The closing date for entries is Friday, July 6.