The donation will support the Institute’s research lines on diabetes, especially those focused on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
The town councils of Perafort and Puigdelfí and Els Garidells have donated the funds raised during the charity walk ‘Take a Step Against Diabetes’ to the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute (IISPV). The total amount, €2,324, will be used to support research on diabetes, particularly in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this and other metabolic diseases. The event, organised by both councils, took place on 23 November 2025 and celebrated its 10th edition, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Institute.
During the ceremony to hand over the symbolic cheque, several representatives of the organising institutions attended: the event’s promoter, Sergi Vernet; the Sports Councillor of Perafort, Xavi Prim; and the Housing and Social Welfare Councillor of Els Garidells, Marta Duque. Representing the IISPV were the director and leader of the Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases Group (DIAMET), Joan Vendrell, and also DIAMET group leader, Sonia Fernández Veledo. The DIAMET group is the beneficiary of the funds, which will help continue its research projects in the field of diabetes.
The donation was made possible thanks to the participation of local residents and the support of organisations and businesses in the area. As highlighted during the cheque presentation by both the organising councils and IISPV representatives, this contribution “strengthens the collective commitment to diabetes research” and shows the “social awareness of a disease that has a major impact on the region”. The aim of the walk is not only to support research but also to promote healthy lifestyle habits.
Over its 10 editions, the charity walk ‘Take a Step Against Diabetes’ has raised a total of €11,000, which has been used to support ongoing diabetes research projects at the Institute.
The Solidarity Walk ‘Let’s Take a Step Against Diabetes’ aims to raise awareness among the population about the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits and to support biomedical research carried out in the region. All the funds raised will go to the Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases Research Group (DIAMET) at IISPV, which focuses on finding new knowledge and strategies to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
“The Perafort Town Council reaffirms its commitment to health, solidarity, and medical research through this initiative—values we consider essential for the well-being of our citizens. The funds are allocated to the IISPV to support research and scientific progress in this field,” said the mayor of Perafort, Joan Martí Pla i Pla. The Perafort Town Council thanks all the individuals and organizations involved and invites everyone to join this solidarity cause. Taking a step against diabetes is taking a step for everyone’s health.
There are different types of diabetes, but the most common are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes affects about 0.2% of the population in Spain, and around 10% of diagnosed cases are in young people and children. Type 2 diabetes affects between 6% and 14% of the population. This percentage depends on the age group considered, but the older the person, the higher the incidence.
The director of the IISPV, Joan Vendrell, explains that “diabetes is not visible, but it can be controlled with information and a healthy lifestyle. In this sense, events like the walk are very valuable, as they help raise awareness about the disease and its impact, and also promote the work we do. Moreover, they are an opportunity for people to contribute to the development of the various research projects underway at the Institute.”
With a registration fee of €5, participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, enjoy breakfast and drinks in Els Garidells, and take part in a raffle of products offered by the event’s sponsors after the walk. Registration is open until November 21st, 2025, through the following link: https://serveis.iispv.cat/events/desena-caminada-contra-la-diabetis
