A gala ball to raise awareness and vital funds for Diabetes UK will be held at the awe-inspiring Titanic Belfast Ballroom on Saturday 18 May 2019. Q Radio Breakfast Show stars Stephen Clements and Cate Conway will be the hosts for the event.
Belfast woman, Clare Mitchell is organising the prestigious “Moth Ball” to help raise awareness of diabetes in Northern Ireland, because her father had Type 1 diabetes.
The Moth Ball is an opportunity to dust off your wedding attire and wear it one more time for a night of celebration and glamour. It is the opportunity to wear that special dress, or perhaps a dress that has been saved for a spectacular occasion, and help raise awareness and funds for local charity, Diabetes UK Northern Ireland.
Local nurse Clare explains, “My father had Type 1 diabetes for much of his life. Back in the 70s when my father was diagnosed, things were very different. Dad’s treatment involved injecting pig insulin and Mum would sterilise the glass syringes in a saucepan. Recently, a friend whose two year old son has diabetes demonstrated how she could check his blood sugar on her smart watch in Belfast while he was with his childminder in Newry. These advances amaze me."
“My own personal experiences and conversations with friends that have Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have confirmed for me that living with this condition can be at times extremely stressful and have a psychological impact on the whole family. But with the right support people can live full and healthy lives, that’s why I wanted to set up a truly unique event to raise money for Diabetes UK. This charity has always been close to my heart.”
Diabetes UK has highlighted the importance of ensuring that every person with diabetes has access to adequate psychological support and Clare wants to help raise awareness about this issue.
Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time. People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin and about 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. It’s the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses, taken either by injections or via an insulin pump.
People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly (known as insulin resistance). Around 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2. They might get Type 2 diabetes because of their family history, age and ethnic background puts them at increased risk. They are also more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if they are overweight. It starts gradually, usually later in life, and it can be years before they realise they have it. Type 2 diabetes is treated with a healthy diet and increased physical activity. In addition, tablets and/or insulin can be required.
There are over 100,000 people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland and this number continues to rise every year. More and more families know what it is to live with this serious condition and fundraisers like Clare, are using their personal experiences to help others. Make your red carpet entrance and enjoy a drinks reception, first class banquet, dancing and entertainment. This evening of glamour and glitz promises to be a memorable evening for all.
Book your tickets today online via https://mothballni.quicktickets.ie
