The incredible work of the volunteers and fundraisers across the East of England was celebrated with a fantastic lunch and Inspire Awards ceremony in Colchester.
The amazing array of supporters shared their stories, what inspires them to volunteer and fundraise for us and their plans for the future. The Witham based team, along with Midlands and East Regional Head Peter Shorrick, were delighted to meet the winners and nominees and thank them for all their amazing work:
East of England 2019 Inspire Award winners
Fundraising
Graeme Shaw, his sons William and Anthony and his best friend Keith Miller cycled a gruelling 500 miles around the Scottish coastline to raise funds in memory of Graeme’s brother Neil. They were supported by Graeme’s wife Elizabeth who drove the camper van and fed them all. They raised more than £5000.
Supporting Others
Former nurse Stephanie Norman, who lives with type 2 diabetes, runs numerous peer support groups in North Essex and also battles to ensure access to vital eye screening.
Supporting Diabetes UK
Keith MacBrayne supported our Flash Campaign, bravely sharing his personal journey with type 1 diabetes and also speaking up about how important the technology is to managing his condition effectively and improving his quality of life.
Reaching Out and Connecting
South East Essex Type 1 group (SEET1) support children living with Type 1 diabetes and their family across a large area. Arranging a variety of events including base jumping, bowling and roller skating to help the children develop confidence and understanding. They also want to ensure no-one impacted by the condition feels alone.
Young Person’s Outstanding Contribution
Incredible Leo Turner (pictured) was just seven years old last year when he climbed Mount Snowdon with his family to show that a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis shouldn’t stop you doing anything you want. His school also arranged a musical fundraising evening and Leo spoke on the radio too.
Local Groups and Community
The Wymondham Diabetes UK group meets regularly and has engaged with more than 100 people in the small village they support. They attend local events to raise awareness and understanding and have joined forces with a local residential home to support residents living with condition and share healthcare guidelines with carers.
Campaigning and Influencing
Clive Rainbird is a service champion for the region and works tirelessly alongside healthcare professionals in West Norfolk where he promotes Diabetes UK and the resources we have to support their work. He has spoken about the importance of good foot care and is a member of the East Anglia Diabetic eye screening patient forum. He has also set up a peer support group.
