An eight-year-old boy from Medway in Kent has won a Diabetes UK Award for his efforts to raise awareness of diabetes through his incredible fundraising for the charity.
Jayden Beckwith was presented with the Young Person’s Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of his hard work, at the charity’s regional Inspire Awards, held in Epsom yesterday (Tuesday May 16th). He has now raised a total of £3 000 for Diabetes UK in the past year through activities such as fun runs, pyjama parties and picnics.
Jayden’s little sister, Ava, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on 29th May 2015. She was only three at the time and since then Jayden has been single-minded in his determination to help his little sister and fundraise for Diabetes UK. The family helped set up and launch the Mid Kent Type 1 Diabetes Group which now helps over 61 families in the area. Jayden’s efforts have not gone unnoticed – last year he received a letter of recognition as a ‘Points of Light’ volunteer from Prime Minister Theresa May for all his work.
Jayden said: “I just want to do what I can. This year I’m planning a lot more stuff – including a treasure hunt and another fun run dressed as a super dog! I always tell my friends about Type 1 diabetes so they can understand what my sister has to do and how difficult it can be.” Mr. David Bignell, Headteacher at Jayden’s school, Deanwood Primary, said: “Everyone at Deanwood Primary School wishes to congratulate Jayden and his family. We are very proud of his efforts to support his sister and Diabetes UK which have been recognised by this award and a letter of achievement from the Prime Minister.”
Jill Steaton, Regional Manager at Diabetes UK South East, said: “Jayden and Ava are amazing. The family are a source of inspiration and this award is a way for us at Diabetes UK to say thank you to them for everything they’ve done.
“Through our Inspire Awards we thank our hard working volunteers, like Jayden, for their contributions and highlight the positive difference their work has made to the lives of people who are living with diabetes.
“There are more than 4.5 million people with diabetes, and our dedicated volunteers help them to manage their condition, campaign to improve the quality of care available to them, fundraise for pioneering research and work to stem the rising tide of diabetes. Our volunteers are out there working hard in the community day in and day out. Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without their incredible support and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our volunteers who make an enormous difference through their support.”
The Inspire Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding individuals as well as group volunteer efforts. The winners are chosen by judging panels across the UK and are presented with their award at the regional and national Make a Difference conferences held in 2017. The winners of these awards are then placed in a pool to be judged for the UK-wide Inspire Awards which will be presented in summer 2017.
