Our annual Inspire Awards took place on Saturday 19 May and recognised the achievements of our dedicated volunteers across Wales.
Our inspirational volunteers give their time, week in, week out, to help raise funds and awareness and support the 191,000 people across Wales living with diabetes.
Two such individuals are Jon and Kim Mackeen, both 61, who won the award for Reaching Out and Connecting this year.
Dedicated to raising awareness
Kim was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2012. Just four weeks later, Jon was also diagnosed with the condition.
The couple now dedicates their time to raising awareness of the risk factors of Type 2 diabetes at events all over Wales, travelling as far afield as Wrexham and Brecon. Jon is also a speaker for us at community and other events.
"We're proud that we're doing a good job"
Jon said, “Type 2 diabetes is a complicated condition, but support makes all the difference. Once I was diagnosed, I went straight on to the Diabetes UK website and signed up to volunteer.
“Kim and I love volunteering; it's hands-on and we are out meeting and talking to people. We do all our events together and can talk to people about our own experiences, give them information and encourage them to get support.
“We were both shocked when we were nominated as we don’t do this for the recognition. We were even more shocked when we won. We didn’t expect it, but we are both really proud to know we’ve been doing a good job!”
Going the extra mile
Our Director, Dai Williams, said, “We were delighted to present Jon and Kim with this award. They have been instrumental in raising awareness of diabetes prevention across Mid Wales through Know Your Risk events, supporting local groups and connecting with individuals from all walks of life. They also draw on their own experiences to show others that you can live a full and active life with Type 2. Congratulations Jon and Kim, and thank you!”
Click here for more information about volunteering for us.
