First Female T1D to summit Mount Vinson, Antarctica's highest mountain

I’m fundraising for Breakthrough T1D to find a cure!

My name is Rachel Smith and this December I am undertaking the challenge of becoming the first woman living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) to summit the highest mountain in Antarctica, Mount Vinson. Through this project I am raising money for Breakthrough T1D, to help fund vital research and work towards finding a cure. Follow the journey @Type1Summit!

The challenge?

Summiting Mount Vinson will involve a 2 week expedition in Antarctica. I will be exposed to challenging conditions with average temperatures of -30 degrees celsius, and will require a high level of skill, physical and mental endurance to be successful. Standing at 4892m, acclimatising well will also be vital. From Vinson Base Camp, I will pull a sled of food and equipment to low camp. From there, I will carry what I need in my bag and ascend on crampons and fixed lines. This challenge will test me both physically and mentally, but I am ready!

Who am I and why I am doing this?

I am from Belfast, but currently living and working as a doctor in Melbourne, Australia. I was diagnosed with T1D in 2000 just before my 3rd birthday, and in 2001 I was the first child to use the insulin pump in Northern Ireland. My interest in hiking and mountaineering began in my early years, always keen to get out to the local mountains. From there, I went on to summit the highest mountains in Africa (Kilimanjaro), South America (Aconcagua) and Australia (Kosciuszko), as well as hiking and mountaineering in Nepal (Everest Base Camp and Lobuche), Scandinavia, Europe, the UK and Ireland. Through this project I want to push the perceived limits of what people living with type one can achieve, and be a representation for anyone who has ever been told they can't do something.

Why Breakthrough T1D?

Over the last 25 years living with T1D, I have experienced first hand the difference their work and research has made to my day to day life. They are one of the predominant funders of T1D research globally and have been a part of every T1D research breakthrough over the past 50 years – from technological improvements to new therapy advancements. Breakthrough T1D are committed to finding a cure, whilst advocating and raising awareness for T1D. I want to be a part of what’s next.

Thank you so much.