WOLFSCASTLE-based company FRIO UK, has played its part in helping a man with type 1 diabetes make history by becoming the first ever to row the Atlantic unaided.

FRIO, award-winning manufacturer of the world's first patented insulin cooling wallet, donated seven of its extra-large wallets as well as three mini sharps bins and fast-acting glucose powder to Hugo Thompson.

Hugo was part of the four-man Team Oarstruck who rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, to raise thousands for Diabetes UK.

He used FRIO's insulin cooling wallets, which keep insulin and other temperature-sensitive medicines within a safe temperature range for at least 45 hours, throughout the 55-day challenge.

With no refrigeration on board the compact boat, the wallets were Hugo's only source of cooling for his insulin which, if exposed to extreme temperatures, would break down and become ineffective.

"This has been dubbed the world's toughest row, so we were over the moon to finish the race," said Hugo.

"But without FRIO's support I wouldn't have been able to complete the journey. We had absolutely no refrigeration on board so the FRIO wallets were the only way of keeping my insulin safe for the duration of the journey and became an essential part of my diabetes management.

"It's great to be able to raise awareness of the fact that type 1 diabetes doesn't have to stop you achieving what you want to achieve."

"Huge congratulations to Hugo and the rest of Team Oarstruck for completing such an awe-inspiring journey," said Chris Wolsey, managing director at FRIO UK.

"It is vital that insulin is kept cool, especially when travelling in such extreme temperatures as those that the team would have experienced along the way.

"We are honoured to have helped Hugo manage his diabetes safely with our insulin cooling wallets."