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Bangor birthday girl donates presents to Diabetes UK Northern Ireland

At 7 years old, there wouldn’t be many children who would happily forgo their birthday presents to help raise money for a local charity but one Bangor girl did just that.

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Abie Jackson raised £375 for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland and has helped raise further awareness about Type 1 diabetes among family and friends who all kindly donated to her cause.

Abie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just 11 months ago and took the selfless decision to raise money instead of getting birthday presents.

Diabetes UK Northern Ireland Volunteer Development Manager, Heather Causer, said, ‘We were blown away by the kindness of Abie who at just 7 years old made such a wonderful gesture which was generously supported by all her friends. Abie called into the Diabetes UK Northern Ireland office in person to present her cheque for £375 and we are so grateful to her and her 38 friends who helped raise this amazing amount of money.

‘We want to thank Abie, the Jackson family and all of Abie’s friends who donated to Diabetes UK Northern Ireland and by doing so, will help other families learning to live with this condition. There are over 100,000 people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland and approximately 10 per cent of those have Type 1 diabetes.’

Type 1 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults, starting suddenly and getting worse quickly. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump. It is also recommended to follow a healthy diet and take regular physical activity.

Heather Causer continued, ‘We wish Abie a very happy birthday and hope that she will continue to inspire all who meet her.’

If you want to know more about diabetes or what you can do to help, contact Diabetes UK Northern Ireland: email n.ireland@diabetes.org.uk or call 028 9066 6646.

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