Tim Bates Memorial Diabetes Research Fund
Tim Bates was a world class Australian Skydiver and a type 1 diabetic. Shortly after contracting diabetes at the age of 13, Tim was told he would never be able to fulfil his lifelong dream of becoming a fighter pilot. Despite this, Tim went on to gain his Glider Pilot license. As an adult, Tim discovered a passion for skydiving and developed his competitive niche in canopy piloting. He completed 3825 jumps and was an Australian National champion, as well as coming fourth in the World Cup of Canopy Piloting in 2003.
Tim was also dedicated to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes and in 2001, joined the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in Melbourne as a Network Engineer and a valuable contributor to the Institute.
Despite his diabetes, Tim lived his life to the full; but at the age of just 34, he tragically died from the effects of diabetes.
Over 100 000 young Australians like Tim suffer from this Chronic Illness. In honour of his memory, Tim’s family and friends at WEHI have created the Tim Bates Diabetes Research Fund. Support the search for a cure by making a tax deductible donation to the Diabetes Research Centre at the Walter + Eliza Hall Institute and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The Diabetes Research Centre of Victoria is primarily focused on the prevention of type 1 diabetes, commonly known as 'juvenile' or 'insulin dependent' diabetes. However, they are learning more about how different types of diabetes are related, and research into type 1 diabetes prevention may eventually have implications for the prevention or cure of these similar disorders.
For more information on Tim's fund please contact:
The Walter + Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
1G Royal Pde
Parkville, VIC.
Australia 3050
To Donate to Tim's Fund
Website Link: Click here, enter your details and select Designation: The Tim Bates Memorial Research