A personal connection to Juvenile Diabetes inspired a team of Shaw and Partners’ advisers to take part in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Ride to Cure Diabetes in South Australia's beautiful Barossa Valley on the 16th January 2016.

Together the team raised more than $8,000 to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes. Shaw and Partners Head of Private Wealth, Earl Evans, said the Shaw and Partners Foundation, which was set up last year to support the philanthropic fundraising efforts of its entire staff, would donate $5000, bringing the final total to $13,000. Shaw and Partners’ Ride to Cure Diabetes team captain, and the team’s largest fundraiser, Stuart McKinnon, led a team of colleagues on the grueling course as part of a very personal challenge.

Stuart's daughter, Sophia, was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at age seven and faced with such a massive responsibility; Sophia was forced to grow up very quickly. Stuart said she is a credit to her family, is very brave and allows nothing to stand in her way. The McKinnon family is extremely proud of her.

For the majority of riders, 80km was the furthest distance they had ever cycled. Sam Crompton, Matthew Wilkinson, David Dall, and Stuart McKinnon, from the Shaw and Partners’ Adelaide and Sydney offices, all relied on each other and were thankful for the great camaraderie among the team which helped them to complete the course. All team members have vowed to be part of the ride again next year.

Throughout the ride, the scenery in the Barossa Valley was spectacular and as the Shaw and as the Shaw and Partners’ team approached the finish line, they had a moment to reflect on their achievement and time for a well-deserved visit to a cellar door at the majestic Yalumba Winery with a history dating back to 1849.

Stuart, who also volunteers his time as a Member of the JDRF NSW State Leadership Group, hopes to build a larger Shaw and Partners’ team next year with representatives from all of the Shaw and Partners offices located throughout Australia.