Two volunteers have been awarded the Alan Nabarro Medal for living with Type 1 diabetes for 50 years.
North Devon local group chair Lyn Hill and committee member Brenda Shute were joined by Diabetes UK South West team members Verity McLelland and Gemma Jackson who presented the awards on 19 February during the group’s monthly meeting.
Brenda, pictured left, said “I found it rather emotional. The group has been marvellous for me, I’ve always found it so useful to talk things through with like-minded people who have the same blips and issues. They are a lovely group and very supportive. I’ve also received good support from my local healthcare team.”
Lyn added “I was very thrilled to receive the award and the presentation was lovely. Reading about Alan Nabarro afterwards, I feel emotional and privileged to have received a medal in his name.”
Alan Nabarro was one of the first people in Britain to use insulin to treat his diabetes and fought a lifelong battle against discrimination to establish equal rights for those with diabetes. He was awarded the OBE in 1968 for his work helping young people.
Verity McLelland, volunteering and outreach manager for the South West said: “It was an absolute honour and privilege to present the awards to Lyn and Brenda. It’s incredibly inspiring to see people who have lived with diabetes for so many years and to hear their positive and encouraging stories. They are also helping so many other people living with diabetes to better understand their condition through their incredible work with the North Devon group."
Pictured from left, Brenda Shute, Verity McLelland, Gemma Jackson and Lyn Hill.
