Beth Baldwin, who has raised more than £70,000 for us in memory of her son Peter, has won a UK-wide award for her tireless fundraising.
![Beth Baldwin IOF award Thumbnail](https://diabetes-resources-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/resources-s3/styles/max_325x325/s3/L-RRogerLawsonBethBaldwinCarolAkiwumiandStephenKAmosattheIOFAwards.jpg?itok=OgZPKI-Q)
Beth was named the UK’s Best Volunteer Fundraiser at the Institute of Fundraising’s National Fundraising Awards in London.
Peter, 13, passed away from undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes in January 2015. Since then Beth, her husband Stuart and Peter’s sister Lia, 12, have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition, hosting a host of fundraising events and presenting to Assembly Members at the Senedd.
Raising vital awareness
The family launched our Know Type 1 campaign to raise awareness of the common early symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, the 4Ts, which can develop very quickly.
Since the campaign launched, Beth’s campaign video has been seen by more than 1 million people across Wales.
Around 1,400 children and young people in Wales have Type 1 diabetes, but one in four are not diagnosed until they are in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This can be life-threatening.
The 4Ts are Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner. If a child is going to the toilet a lot, has increased thirst which they can’t quench, is more tired than usual or is losing weight (getting thinner), take them to the GP immediately for a finger-prick test.
"This is Peter's legacy"
Beth, pictured second left, said: “Winning this award was a great surprise and a huge honour. This is Peter’s legacy and I know he would be so proud of what we have achieved so far. Knowing that we are making a difference to other families is what motivates us to keep raising awareness.
“Losing a child is something no family should have to go through. It’s our mission to make sure that everyone has the 4Ts of Type 1 diabetes at the front of their minds. Being able to recognise the symptoms and get a quick diagnosis and early treatment could save a child’s life. It’s all about helping as many other families as we can.” Beth
Our National Director, Dai Williams, said: “The Baldwins are a truly inspirational family and we are honoured to work with them to create a legacy for Peter. We are delighted that their efforts have been recognised on a UK scale.
"They have raised vital funds and awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, meaning children across Wales are being diagnosed sooner, and more safely.”
Find out more about fundraising for us in Wales.