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CONNECT Your Diabetes Scotland Newsletter www.diabetes.org.uk/scotland POSITIVE STEPS Get involved in Walk for Diabetes POLAR ACADEMY Meet Paul Shuttleworth, the Arctic Explorer FUN FUNDRAISING Charlie and Jamie Color Me Rad ISSUE NO. 5 SUMMER 2015 MEET OUR INSPIRE AWARD WINNERS!

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Page 1: MEET OUR INSPIRE AWARD - Diabetes UK - Know diabetes ... · diabetes.org.uk/ramadan Anyone wishing to donate to Diabetes UK’s Ramadan campaign should text RAMADAN to 70123 ... Y

CONNECTYour Diabetes Scotland Newsletter

www.diabetes.org.uk/scotland

Positive stePs Get involved in Walk for Diabetes

Polar academy Meet Paul Shuttleworth, the Arctic Explorer

Fun Fundraising Charlie and Jamie Color Me Rad

IssuE NO. 5 summEr 2015

MEET OUR INSPIRE AWARD WINNERS!

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Hardships often prepare people for an extraordinary destiny. - CS Lewis

Welcome to the summer issue of Connect! In this edition we are celebrating the nominees and winners of the Diabetes Scotland Inspire Awards, many of whom have overcome their own personal challenges to provide much-valued support to people living with diabetes. I’m particularly proud of all our young volunteers who have shown tremendous enthusiasm, energy and effort in their commitment to making life better for people affected by the condition. From raising awareness and campaigning, to fundraising and working to make positive changes to diabetes care; our young supporters are a force to be reckoned with. Knowing that they are behind us, championing our cause, makes me very optimistic for the future.

It was fantastic meeting so many of you at the Volunteer Conference and Inspire Awards in March. I hope you found the day as motivating as I did and were energised by the passion and dedication shown by all of our Diabetes Scotland volunteers. The work you do on behalf of the charity and the diabetes community is so important and I hope you know how thankful we are that you’re part of the Diabetes Scotland team.

I would also like to mention the Glasgow Family Group for the work and effort they have put in to support their local paediatric diabetes team recently with the upheaval and challenges that the new Children’s Hospital has brought. The diabetes service

DIRECTOR’SWELCOME

has been retained in the form it should be and we have agreement to scope out the development of a 0-25 service.

Finally, Diabetes Week is just around the corner and I hope you’ll all get involved and share your stories and experiences of diabetes on social media using #DiabetesAndMe. The Big Collection will be taking place at the beginning of Diabetes Week and there is still a little time left to sign up to help us at your local Tesco store. We raised over £52,000 in Scotland at last year’s Big Collection. Do you think we can beat that amount this year? … Me too – let’s do it!

Jane-Claire JudsonNational Director

We’d love to know what you think of Connect. What stories are of most interest? Is there anything you think we should be writing about? Would you like to share your story? Please get in touch to share your thoughts. Email: [email protected]

Careline Scotland provides support and information to people with diabetes as well as friends, family and carers. We can provide information to help you learn more about the condition and how to manage it.Careline Scotland *0141 212 8710 Email: [email protected].* Calls from landlines are typically charged between 2p and 10p per minute while calls from mobiles typically cost between 10p and 40p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles should be included in free call packages. Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes.

Join us for The Big Collection

Diabetes Week is a highlight in the Diabetes UK calendar. It’s a time when the diabetes community comes together to raise awareness of diabetes, as well as vital funds to support people living with the condition. Diabetes Week 2015 will take place from Sunday 14 to Saturday 20 June.

This Diabetes Week we want to remind everyone they’re not on their own when it comes to diabetes. Actually, there’s a lot of folk out there going through the same thing. That’s why we’re encouraging you to get involved in Diabetes Week by speaking out about your experiences of living with the condition.

Don’t forget, we’re always here rooting for you too! Throughout the week, we’ll be shouting about advice and support available through Diabetes Scotland, and opportunities to learn more about diabetes and managing your condition well.

www.facebook.com/DiabetesUKScot

@DiabetesScot

DIABETES WEEK14-20 JUNE 2015

We’d love to hear all your hints, tips and stories of living life to the full. Please share your comments, photographs and videos on Facebook and Twitter using #DiabetesAndMe.

Big CollectionThis year’s Diabetes Week will kick off with The Big Collection on the weekend of 13 -14 June. All across the UK, teams of volunteers will be collecting money at Tesco stores as part of the charity partnership with Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. Money raised will go towards initiatives which support people to live healthier lives.

There’s still time to get involved - email [email protected] or call 0141 245 6380 to find out about activity in your area.

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Are you getting yours?has taken on endurance running events such as the Marathon des Sables across the Sahara and is now preparing for a similar challenge across the Arctic this year.

Roddy is supporting Diabetes UK’s Putting Feet First campaign which has a new tool available to help people with diabetes ensure they’re getting the foot care they require. The ‘What to Expect at Your Annual Foot Check’ leaflet highlights why it’s important to get an annual foot check and also outlines what’s included in a ‘good’ check such as testing the foot nerves.

Roddy said: “I’m probably more aware of my foot health than others due to my marathon training but it’s important for everyone living with diabetes to

Designed for both parents and children, including siblings of children with Type 1 diabetes, the fun and informal Family Events offer the opportunity to learn more about managing the condition, meet other families with similar experiences and talk about any challenges you’ve been facing.

Bob McQueen, Volunteer Co-ordinator for Diabetes Scotland, said: “Raising a child with a long term condition such as Type 1 diabetes can be challenging which is why it’s important for families to know they are not alone. Our Family Events provide an opportunity to find out more about living with the condition and how to support children as they grow and develop.”

During the event parents will attend relaxed information workshops covering issues such as; what care to expect, clinic appointments, sick-day rules, ketones, and healthy eating.

There is also time for individual discussions with healthcare professionals. Meanwhile the children, accompanied by healthcare professionals and trained volunteers, will enjoy fun activities including a trip out and informal learning sessions.

Events are taking place in:Inverness 13 June 2015Stirling 5 September 2015 Ayr 3 October 2015Event cost is £10 per adult and £5 per child.

There are also a number of other Care Events organised by Diabetes UK, including residential trips, which are designed for children. Find out more:visit www.diabetes.org.uk/careevents call 0345 123 2399*email [email protected] *Calls may be recorded for quality or training purposes

Ready for RamadanRamadan begins around 18 June and anyone with diabetes who is planning to fast should be engaging with their healthcare team to ensure they are doing so safely.

As Ramadan falls in the summer this year, the length of fast could be 17 hours or more. For Muslims living with diabetes this could lead to a much higher risk of hypoglycaemia and dehydration, as well as an increased chance of high glucose levels at subhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (evening meal when the fast has ended).

Diabetes UK’s Ramadan guidance materials are available in several languages at www.diabetes.org.uk/ramadan

Anyone wishing to donate to Diabetes UK’s Ramadan campaign should text RAMADAN to 70123 to donate £3. (A minimum of £2.96 will be received by Diabetes UK.)

Roddy Riddle in the Sahara

understand the importance of good foot care and what foot care services they should expect to receive. Unfortunately, diabetes can lead to foot ulcers and lower limb amputation if not managed well, so it’s essential that everyone living with the condition ensures they receive their annual foot check as part of the 15 Healthcare Essentials outlined by Diabetes UK. The ‘What to Expect at Your Annual Foot Check’ leaflet is really helpful in telling people what a foot check should involve and I’d encourage everyone with diabetes to download it from the Diabetes UK website and arm themselves with all the information before going to their foot check appointment.”

More information and download the leaflet: www.diabetes.org.uk/putting-feet-first

YOUR CA R E P L AN

YOUR CA R E P L ANYOUR CA R E P L AN

YOUR CA R E P L ANYOUR CA R E P L AN

If you have diabetes you are entitled to 15 healthcare essentials provided routinely and for free from your healthcare team. These include eye screenings, kidney function checks and access to a dietician.

You can download the full checklist from our website. If you aren’t getting all the care you need, take the checklist to your diabetes healthcare team and discuss it with them.

In this issue we’re Putting Feet First with support from endurance runner Roddy Riddle. A former Commonwealth Games road cyclist, Roddy, 47, knows only too well the importance of maintaining healthy feet. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 40, the Invernessian

Family Events in ScotlandFamilies of children with Type 1 diabetes are invited to attend special events hosted by Diabetes Scotland this year.

CARE EVENTS

Guidance materials to support you through Ramadan

15HEALTHCARE ESSENTIALS

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Walking to better healthfor over 12 years. The walks are designed to ensure that the least able in their community are able to join in with the average age of those taking part in the late 70s. Many walkers are, like Bernard, living with a health condition. As a walk leader, Bernard supports local people to take the first steps towards better health. He understands the benefit regular walking can bring as he is using it as a way to help manage his own diabetes.

Bernard added: “I feel that joining a group has helped me enormously in managing my condition. One of my relatives had a limb amputated due to complications from diabetes, so I am careful to do all I can to help myself manage the condition. This works for me – weekly walks in the company of others, enjoying the beautiful scenery. Through the group I’ve heard about other exercise opportunities, such as dancing and table tennis too!”

Pam Taylor, National Fundraising Manager, said: “The great thing about Walk for Diabetes is that you can design your own event, when, where and with as many participants as you like. Diabetes Scotland can support you to make your event a great success. Upon signing up to arrange a walk, you will receive an Organiser’s Pack, sponsorship forms, posters, a special organiser’s t-shirt and a dedicated member of our fundraising team will help you turn your plan into reality.”

For more information or to organise a Walk for Diabetes visit www.diabetes.org.uk/walk-for-diabetes email [email protected] or call 0141 245 6380.

Partnerships for Wellbeing is a Highland wide voluntary organisation based in Inverness dedicated to serving all ages in the community. For more information visit www.pfw.org.uk or call 01463 729997

Paths for All champion walking in Scotland for everyone, everyday, everywhere. The organisation seeks to create a happier, healthier Scotland, where increased physical activity improves quality of life and wellbeing for all. Activity includes Active Travel, Walking for Health and Developing Active Environments. Find out more at www.pathsforall.org.uk

Walking for HealthPaths for All provide support, networking, training and funding for community Walking for Health projects across Scotland. The organisation works with projects like Step It Up Highland to manage short, safe and supported group Health Walks. Walking regularly in company helps to improve physical, mental and social health. To get started find your local Health Walk group at www.pathsforall.org.uk/healthwalkfinder

Ryan and Dani getting into the spirit for Walk for Diabetes

Best foot forward for diabetes

LIVINg WITHDIABETES

Type 2 diabetes can often be managed well through healthy diet and exercise.

When Bernard Doyle from Ross-shire was first diagnosed with the condition he sought guidance from Diabetes UK who suggested getting more active. As he already enjoyed walking, Bernard joined a local walking group through Step it Up Highland Health Walks, an initiative run by Partnerships for Wellbeing.

Bernard said: “On finding out I had Type 2 diabetes ten years ago, I asked Diabetes UK what I could do to best help myself and heard that exercise would be ideal. As I enjoy walking, that was my first thought to help me get fitter. I subsequently moved up to the Alness area and heard about the Health Walks through the local Heritage Centre. I joined Step It Up Highland, eventually becoming a walk leader myself.”

The Alness Group has been walking every week in the community

Bernard and his walking group

Beautiful scenery and great exercise

WALK FOR DIABETES

Diabetes Scotland is inviting people across the country to take a step in the right direction towards a future free of diabetes.

We’re seeking volunteers to arrange a local walk to help raise vital funds to support people living with diabetes, raise awareness about reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and fund research towards a cure.

Anyone organising a Walk for Diabetes can decide on the distance, what route to take and how challenging the course will be – allowing the event to be accessible for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Everyone taking part is encouraged to ask their friends and family to sponsor them to complete the walk.

New faces at Diabetes ScotlandWelcome to new Diabetes Scotland team members Lois Marshall and Chris Dempster!

Lois is our new Type 1 Engagement Lead and will be developing and delivering work with young people with Type 1 diabetes throughout Scotland. Lois said: “I’m really happy to be part of the team and to work with the amazing young volunteers who have been supporting our work in Scotland.”

Chris is our new Fundraising Administrator so will soon be a familiar face to all of our fab Scottish fundraisers. He said: “I’m excited to be joining Diabetes Scotland in a role where I get to support such a varied calendar of activities across the whole of the country. There’s never a dull moment and the fact it’s for such a great charity is just the icing on the cake!”

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This year’s Inspire Awards were held at Glynhill Hotel in Renfrewshire on 21 March 2015.

Diabetes Scotland National Director, Jane-Claire Judson, said: “ We value each and every one of our Diabetes Scotland volunteers. You are all extraordinary individuals and you are what makes our Diabetes Scotland team great. The Inspire Awards recognise those star volunteers who have shone extra brightly in the past year. Whether they have taken on extra support duties, overcome personal challenges while continuing to donate their time and energy volunteering, or thought of innovative new ways to support others and fundraise, the winners of these awards are truly inspirational.”

We wish we could give you all an award for the fantastic work you do. You are the heart of Diabetes Scotland and we thank you.

FUNDRAISINg AWARDCOLETTE ALLENDIABETES SCOTLAND EDINBURGH LOCAL GROUPGRAEME FOORDIAN MILLWARDRYAN MOLLINSONBOB PAUL

SUPPORTINg OTHERS AWARDDR KERSTEN BUMKEBILLY CAIRNSROSS CAIRNSJENNIFER MOONEYCHRIS MYLESLINDA PARKALASDAIR WEBSTERLORRAINE WHYTE

CAMPAIgNINg & RAISINg AWARENESS AWARDMARILYN BOLANDMANDY CHRISTIECOLLETTE FOORDAILEEN HILLISBETT LINDSAYMICHAEL MAHONEY

LOCAL gROUPS & COMMUNITIES AWARDSDIABETICKIDS LANARKSHIREDIABETES SCOTLAND CAITHNESS LOCAL GROUPDIABETES SCOTLAND GLASGOW FAMILY GROUPDIABETES SCOTLAND WEST LOTHIAN LOCAL GROUPMAKING CONNECTIONS YOUNG PEOPLE GROUP

YOUNg PERSON’S AWARDMATHEW CAIRNSAMY ROSE CAMERONGAVIN FOORDBETH AND JACOB HARRISJACOB KITSONSOPHIE MACDONALDNADINE MCGRORYAMELIE ROGER

JOHN IRELAND AWARDMARYLIN BOLANDALMA DEVINEDR FIONA GREENDR RUTH THOMSONALASDAIR WEBSTER

LONg SERVICE AWARDSDiabetes Scotland is delighted to honour the following the people who have been supporting the charity’s work for a combined total of over 350 years.ALMA DEVINEDR GEORGE FARMERIRENE GOODRUMGORDON MARTINBOB MCQUEENDAVID MCQUEENKAY MCQUEEN HUGHESANNE NELSONHONOR SHAWJENNIFER WATSONMARGOT WATSONLYNNE WILSONLORNA WYLIE

NOMINEES

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FUNDRAISINg AWARD Winner: BOB PAULA shoo-in for the title of busiest man in Ayrshire, Bob’s fundraising efforts have included organising volunteer teams for Tesco’s Big Collection, organising a Walk for Diabetes at Dean Castle Country Park and holding a Christmas craft market. Bob is also a regular host of Diabetes Scotland information stalls and offers peer support. To celebrate his 60th birthday this year he will be walking the West Highland Way and climbing Ben Nevis to raise more money for the charity.

CAMPAIgNINg & RAISINg AWARENESS AWARD Winner: MICHAEL MAHONEYGreat volunteers go the extra mile and none more so than Michael who was heavily involved in getting a Diabetes Scotland Roadshow to Orkney. Going above and beyond what we ask of our volunteers, Michael liaised with the local council, media, ferry companies for discounted rates, and hotels for staff members. The result was a fantastic first outing for the Roadshow to Orkney with high awareness of the event, including a rolling news piece on BBC Radio Orkney, and a great turnout of people looking to be risk assessed and get more information.

YOUNg PERSON’S AWARD Winner: NADINE MCgRORYTalented Nadine has been using her love of arts and crafts to support people with diabetes. The 14 year old donated her own crafting materials to create a phenomenal amount of bespoke cards to sell at a Christmas Fayre. Additionally, she has been championing the diabetes cause at school and in her local community by encouraging people to take part in Walk for Diabetes and educating teachers and fellow pupils about the condition.

LOCAL gROUPS & COMMUNITIES AWARDS Winner: MAKINg CONNECTIONS YOUNg PEOPLE gROUPFollowing the success of JUST DUK 1T, the Mighty DUKs have been busy working to change the delivery of care for young people. Working together to identify barriers which prevent some young people from engaging with their diabetes clinics, the group helped develop a number of tools. These have been delivered in four pilot areas to help foster better relationships between healthcare professionals and young people with Type 1 diabetes. The group will also be managing Facebook groups for young people with Type 1 in each of the areas which will be the first step to building a network of young people and lead to face-to-face group activities.

The bright young minds of Making Connections Young People Group

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MANDY CHRISTIEApologies to Mandy Christie in Dundee who was nominated for a Campaigning & Raising Awareness Award. Due to an error she was not included in the nominees programme at the Inspire Awards. Mandy’s nomination was in recognition of her support as a Roadshow risk assessor, her role as a team leader at The Big Collection, assisting at Living With Diabetes Day in Perth and organising several awareness events in Dundee. Thank you for all your support Mandy!

THE JOHN IRELAND AWARD Winner: ALMA DEVINEFirst diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1973, Alma immediately became a volunteer for Diabetes UK (in its previous incarnation of British Diabetic Association). She has undertaken various training opportunities, particularly for supporting children and families, so she could facilitate and support Family Events including week-long residential courses. Alma has travelled all over Scotland to offer her help and guidance. All those who meet her, speak of her ability to connect and empathise with those who are struggling to manage the condition.

Your Diabetes Scotland NewsletterCONNECT

SUPPORTINg OTHERS AWARD & VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Winner: ALASDAIR WEBSTEROne of our most well-travelled volunteers, Alasdair has been all over Scotland supporting our work from Galashiels to Orkney to the Western Isles. Now, having moved to Warrington he has already been in touch with the local office to offer his support! Alasdair has been an active member of local groups, manned countless information stands, was the first volunteer to train as a risk assessor and has helped at every roadshow in Scotland over the past five years. He was also the first to volunteer to answer the Tesco support phoneline and he has been an active office volunteer. Over the years his reach has been immense.

Special thanks to Janet Rae who attended the Inspire Awards to present The Janet Rae Volunteer of the Year Award, named in recognition of her 80 years living with Type 1 diabetes!

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As usual, you have all been putting in a fab effort up and down the country to raise money to support people with diabetes. Thank you!

RunningMany of you have been taking part in running events across Scotland with many more signed up for other events throughout the year. If you feel you’ve got a bit of a spring in your step, signing up to a running event could be just the challenge you’re looking for. There are a number of events throughout the year ranging from 5ks to marathons to ultramarathons.

Why not take your inspiration from these four sporty youngsters from the east coast of Scotland who are taking huge strides towards a better future for people living with diabetes?

Eight year old Jessica Clegg from Dalkeith and 13 year old Georgia Davidson from Berwick chose to raise funds for the charity because they both have grandparents affected by the condition. Jessica took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival Junior Run in May while Georgia brought more than £360 in sponsorship when she took part in the Junior Great Edinburgh Run in April.

Jamie Cloy, 7, and 11 year old Charlie Gilfillan were part of the ‘Super Cupars’ team which took on Color Me Rad in Edinburgh. Throughout the 5k course, the team were colour bombed with all the shades of the rainbow.

Upcoming eventsColor Me Rad, Glasgow 28 June 2015Scottish Half Marathon, Edinburgh 19 September 2015Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running 27 September 2015Great Scottish Run, Glasgow 3 and 4 October 2015Speed of Light 5k, Falkirk 7 November 2015 …and many more!

Comedy NightJoanna Kilcoyne, Lead Volunteer for the UWS DUET (University of West of Scotland Diabetes UK Events Team) fundraising group, with comedians (from left) Gareth Mutch, host Liam Withnail and Ro Campbell. A fundraising comedy night was held at The Stand in Glasgow raising over £250.

CyclingEight year old Heather Stuart from Ayrshire marked her first anniversary of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes by taking on a sponsored cycle and raising a fantastic £348 for us! Thanks Heather!

The Jolly BoysThe “Jolly Boys”, a group of call handlers from Sky TV in Livingston, held a successful Rock Night in April and raised a fantastic £450. This amount was matched by Sky TV, bringing the total to £900. Picture shows five of the Jolly Boys presenting a cheque to Susie Williamson, Regional Fundraiser.

Swim 22We have raised over £100,000 across the UK through Swim 22! Thanks so much to everyone who has taken part including Karen Moore and her ‘The Moore the Merrier’ team in Inverurie. Karen’s team attracted support from local Olympian Hannah Miley who sent a video message wishing the team well!

If you want to do your own Swim 22 challenge log on to www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22 for more information.

Get InvolvedWe have a number of fun activities coming up in the next few months. If you’d like more information, to take part or discuss organising your own event please contact [email protected] or call 0141 245 6380.

Super Cupars at Color Me Rad

FUNDRAISINg NEWS

Jessica Clegg (left) and Georgia Davidson (right) Jolly Boys Swim 22 has raised over £100,000 this year

Heather Stuart

Loch Ness EtapeThere were nine riders taking part in the Loch Ness Etape for Diabetes UK raising over £3500. The team included David Burdekin who has Type 1 diabetes and was competing in his first ever competition.

David works for Lifescan and the company has agreed to match fund all the money raised.

A special shout out to Steve Murdoch who completed the event despite struggling with a knee injury. Well done David, Steve and all the team!

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Paul said: “The idea of going on an Arctic expedition is something I’d never believed would happen to me while I was still at school. When I discussed the trip with my parents, they were really excited for me but wanted to make sure that we planned ahead to manage my diabetes for the duration. We talked with my healthcare team at Wishaw General who were really supportive. We thought about things like, ‘what happens if my insulin freezes?’ But, we discovered this wouldn’t happen because I use an insulin pump and the insulin is carried on me meaning that body heat will keep it fluid.”

Paul’s adventure began 18 months ago when the opportunity to be part of the team first presented itself. A challenging selection process, including several gruelling training weekends, was carried out to ensure that those taking part had the right attitude and ability to handle the epic journey.

Craig Mathieson, founder of The Polar Academy, said: “Paul is an exceptional young man with a great, optimistic personality and he really impressed during the training sessions. We were obviously aware of his diabetes and this was taken into consideration during our preparations but there was never a question on whether this would prohibit him from going. In fact, he earned the nickname Captain Scarlett as he proved himself to be unbreakable despite the many times he fell over!”

The intrepid group flew out to Greenland, with a quick stop in Iceland, in April to embark on the week long Arctic trek. Poor weather meant a delay to setting off but also that the group could spend a day learning to ski. From avoiding polar

bears and crossing over unnamed hills and valleys to meeting Inuit people and camping under the Northern Lights the expedition was an experience unlike any other.

Paul said: “The whole trip was incredible and I loved every minute of it, even the times when it seemed like we’d been walking for hours dragging our equipment with no end in sight. I was well prepared in terms of my diabetes and made sure I had extra supplies of everything in my kit as it’s not as if I’d have been able to pop to the pharmacy should I run out! In the end, there were no diabetes-related dramas and everyone in the group was able to enjoy some of the extra food we brought along. I’ve had an amazing experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I hope other young people, particularly those with Type 1 diabetes, will look at what I’ve achieved and be inspired to take on their own big challenge.

Camping under the Northern Lights

Paul Shuttleworth

Ice, intrepidation and insulin A diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes can be overwhelming, especially for children and young people. There will be so many questions about how to manage the condition each and every day and how it will affect you growing up. However, one young man from Wishaw is proving that having Type 1 diabetes is no reason to hold you back as he has just returned from an Arctic expedition in Greenland!

Paul Shuttleworth, 15, was one of a team of ten young people from St Aidan’s High School and Coltness High School in Wishaw who were part of the first Polar Academy expedition. Having lived with Type 1 diabetes from the age of six, Paul and his family were well aware of the extra precautions that would be necessary in order to undertake such an immense challenge but they were all in agreement that his condition would not be a barrier.

Craig Mathieson, Paul and dad Andy

The Polar AcademyEach year The Polar Academy will inspire and motivate thousands of young adults, positively demonstrating that by “inspiration through exploration” anybody can achieve their absolute potential.www.thepolaracademy.org

Your dream may seem impossible but I think I’ve proved that nothing’s impossible.”

On returning to the UK, another surprise was in store for Paul as he and his expedition team were presented with a Polar Medal – the same prestigious award that was presented to Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton for their Antartic expeditions. The Polar Academy medals have been specially struck for expedition participants who inspired their peers by demonstrating self-belief and resilience to be true role models in their communities and for youth in Scotland. A tremendous honour, thoroughly deserved by Paul and the expedition team.

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Diabetes Scotland, The Venlaw, 349 Bath Street, glasgow, g2 4AACALL 0141 245 6380 EMAIL [email protected] gO TO www.diabetes.org.uk/scotland

A charity registered in England and Wales (215199) and in Scotland (SC039136).

We’d love to hear more from you about what you’ve been doing to support people in your communities across Scotland. Whether you’re organising an awareness event, local group activity or taking part in a fundraising challenge – let us know!

Facebook www.facebook.co.uk/DiabetesUKScotlandTwitter @DiabetesScotEmail [email protected] 0141 245 6380

Share Your StoryThroughout the year we campaign to raise awareness of diabetes and the various support available to people living with the condition. Your stories help us connect with people across the country and communicate our work. If you’d like to share your story to help us promote our activity, please get in touch with our Communications Manager, Claire Fleming, who can tell you more about what’s involved.Email [email protected] 0141 245 6380

VolunteeringWe have over 750 volunteers across Scotland but we’re always happy to welcome new faces to our team! If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering opportunities in your area, joining or launching a local group, please speak to Volunteer Support Officer Honor Shaw.Email [email protected] 0141 245 6380