The Captain and President of Cushendall Golf Club will be joining forces to raise funds for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland. Joe O’Neill and his father, Joe O’Neill Snr have chosen to support the local diabetes charity through their annual golf days.
Joe developed Type 1 diabetes when he had just turned eleven years old and the diagnosis came as a massive shock to the whole family. Now many years later, Joe is in control of his diabetes and wants to help others.
Joe explained, "When I was diagnosed I didn’t understand Type 1 diabetes; I thought it was all my fault. For so long, indeed too long, I thought I had done something wrong to deserve this. I only wish that I had known then what I know now about diabetes.
"I find it fascinating how diabetes treatment and management has developed over the years and Diabetes UK has given me hope that treatments will continue to improve in the future. I don’t want anyone to feel the way that I did, so I am looking forward to the year ahead and raising as much awareness as possible about this misunderstood condition."
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. There are an estimated 100,000 people living with diabetes in the Northern Ireland, and about 8 per cent have Type 1. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, including sight loss, amputation, kidney failure and stroke. With the right treatment, knowledge and support people living with diabetes can lead a long, full and healthy life.
Cushendall Golf Club will be holding the President’s Golf Day on Saturday 15th June, during Diabetes Week, and the Captain’s Golf Day will be on Saturday 6th July.
Diabetes UK Northern Ireland National Fundraiser, Naomi Breen, said, "I would like to thank Joe and his dad, Joe Snr, for choosing Diabetes UK as their charity for the year. I am looking forward to marking Diabetes Week with the President’s Golf Day on Saturday 15th June. This is a great way to help raise awareness and it is great to be getting so much support from the Cushendall Golf Club."
Diabetes Week runs from 10 to 16 June and the President’s Golf Day is just one of the events being held to help raise awareness. For information on this event go to https://www.facebook.com/cushendallgolfclub/ or contact fundraising@diabetes.org.uk for more information.
