"Fastest diabetic in Nottingham!"

"Our son, Matthew (who was diagnosed with Type 1 in March 2008) is a 14-year-old, year 9 pupil of The Nottingham Emmanuel School, who has had a remarkable sporting year. 

He started the year by running in the Nottingham marathon fun run, and raised a considerable amount of sponsorship for Diabetes UK. 

He has competed for his school at basketball, football, athletics and was also selected to compete at rugby and cross-country (but non-diabetes illnesses prevented that). 

Matthew competed for his own age group and also for older age groups in basketball and athletics.  He captained his age group team to win the City boys Year 9 basketball finals.  Outside of school, he plays for Rushcliffe Jets basketball club at u14 and u16levels; he was voted u14 Player of the year this year.

Matthew has also represented Nottingham Nova County basketball at u14 age group, competing at National league level against other cities and counties across the East Midlands. 

Matthew won the u14 Player of the Year award and was also awarded the Nova Commitment Award in April for his dedication to his sport and overcoming his diabetes (together with another young player who also has diabetes).  He was the only player in his squad to play in all their games.  

Recently Matthew won the Nottingham City Yr 9 100m sprint title at the City schools games in 12.6 secs.  He has now begun to train with Notts AC and won both hisguest races at 100m and 200m in a Nottinghamshire Open Minileague event and is looking forward to joining the club in the future.  

Matthew's proudest achievement this year was being awarded Sports Personality of the Year at his school's sports awards evening.  This award is given to the individual who has contributed most to school sport in terms of their participation in sport, representation at county level, dedication to training and leading by example and making a difference in competitive events. 

Matthew won because he had represented the school in so many sports, was an active sports captain and because of everything listed above. 

He also went skiing with school during the Easter holidays and had a brilliant time. 

His school have been fantastically supportive too in everything he does; encouraging his participation in sport, taking him on overseas residentials to France (2008) and Austria(skiing, 2009).

Matthew has really good control of his diabetes (his average annual HbA1c was 6.7), he loves sport and has not let diabetes stop his enjoyment. 

His family and friends are really proud of him and how much he has achieved this year; we think he is an excellent example of someone who has the right attitude to his condition and does not let him stop him being a normal teenager.

We hope you find this encouraging."

Neill and Karen