Ruth Greenaway-Robbins from Caerphilly is taking on this year’s Swim 22 challenge, as her son Simeon has Type 1 diabetes.
Simeon, 16, was diagnosed in April 2017.
Ruth, 39, said, “Simeon started to go downhill very rapidly. He called me to pick him up from school and I realised how much weight he had lost. I now know that getting thinner is a common symptom of Type 1 diabetes. It was very frightening.
“There was so much information to take in. The doctors and nursing staff were amazing and really helped us to understand everything. I felt much more confident that Simeon would be alright.”
Sporting dreams
Simeon is now managing his condition well. Last year he and his teammates at Caerphilly RFC raised over £1,200 for Diabetes UK Cymru with a rugby tournament.
uth continued, “The way Simeon has coped is phenomenal. He loves sport and wants to be a professional rugby referee. He knows that to achieve his dream he has to look after himself.
"I want to fund more research"
“Swim 22 is a way for me to give something back. I want to fund more research into Type 1 technology, as Simeon is moving to an insulin pump this year. I’m a busy mum so I’ll have to push myself, but Simeon is my inspiration.”
Around 1,400 children and young people in Wales and 18,000 adults have Type 1 diabetes. Nobody knows what causes it, but the signs and symptoms can develop very quickly.
Joseph Cuff, Fundraising Manager, Diabetes UK Cymru said: “We are delighted that Type 1 diabetes hasn’t stopped Simeon from pursuing his sporting ambitions and that he has inspired his mum Ruth to make a splash for Diabetes UK Cymru.”
To sponsor Ruth, please go to her JustGiving page.
Swim 22 runs from 22 February to 22 May, so there's still time to sign up. There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship.
