Harry Potter actress raises awareness of Type 1 diabetes
British actress Emma Watson is helping to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes by saluting her mother who lives with the condition.
At an International Women’s Day event yesterday, Emma – who is famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series – was asked who her role model was. She said her mum, who has Type 1 diabetes.
Speaking at the Facebook headquarters in London, Emma said: “She was a single mother and a Type 1 diabetic, so to see her strength and resilience was really inspiring growing up.”
This is the first time the 24-year-old has publicly spoken out about her mother’s condition. Emma, who is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN, added “She really encouraged me to be an individual” and also referred to her mum as an “obvious choice” for a role model.
Emma is not the only Hollywood star with a personal connection to Type 1 diabetes. Jeremy Irvine – who rose to fame in blockbuster War Horse – was diagnosed with the condition aged six.
Jeremy said: “Without the research funded by JDRF I don’t believe I would be able to have the career I’m enjoying now. Thanks to the huge developments being made in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes no child should have to feel diabetes needs to stop them following their aspirations.”