Beth Baldwin, who has raised more than £70,000 for us in memory of her son Peter, has won a UK-wide award for her tireless fundraising.
Beth was named the UK’s Best Volunteer Fundraiser at the Institute of Fundraising’s National Fundraising Awards in London.
Peter, 13, passed away from undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes in January 2015. Since then Beth, her husband Stuart and Peter’s sister Lia, 12, have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition, hosting a host of fundraising events and presenting to Assembly Members at the Senedd.
Raising vital awareness
The family launched our Know Type 1 campaign to raise awareness of the common early symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, the 4Ts, which can develop very quickly.
Since the campaign launched, Beth’s campaign video has been seen by more than 1 million people across Wales.
Around 1,400 children and young people in Wales have Type 1 diabetes, but one in four are not diagnosed until they are in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This can be life-threatening.
The 4Ts are Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner. If a child is going to the toilet a lot, has increased thirst which they can’t quench, is more tired than usual or is losing weight (getting thinner), take them to the GP immediately for a finger-prick test.
"This is Peter's legacy"
Beth, pictured second left, said: “Winning this award was a great surprise and a huge honour. This is Peter’s legacy and I know he would be so proud of what we have achieved so far. Knowing that we are making a difference to other families is what motivates us to keep raising awareness.
“Losing a child is something no family should have to go through. It’s our mission to make sure that everyone has the 4Ts of Type 1 diabetes at the front of their minds. Being able to recognise the symptoms and get a quick diagnosis and early treatment could save a child’s life. It’s all about helping as many other families as we can.” Beth
Our National Director, Dai Williams, said: “The Baldwins are a truly inspirational family and we are honoured to work with them to create a legacy for Peter. We are delighted that their efforts have been recognised on a UK scale.
"They have raised vital funds and awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, meaning children across Wales are being diagnosed sooner, and more safely.”
Find out more about fundraising for us in Wales.
