Actor Michael Sheen backs young diabetes fundraiser

Hollywood star Michael Sheen has lent his support to a six year-old who has raised more than £1,000 for the type 1 diabetes charity JDRF.

Schoolboy Isaac Norton is preparing to climb the Welsh peak Mount Snowdon alongside some family members to raise money on behalf of his best friend Fin Gough, 6, who has type 1 and coeliac disease.

Picture by iDominick

Isaac came up with the idea himself as he wanted to find ways to help his friend.

The challenge came to the attention of Welsh actor Sheen, who replied to Isaac’s mum’s request of a re-tweet from her son’s fundraising page.

The award-winning actor wrote: “Looks like target is reached but not every day a 6 yr old climbs highest mountain in Wales to help his best friend!”

Isaac’s mum Rebekah said: “Isaac wants to raise lots of money so that hopefully a cure will be found one day.

“I have had to explain to Isaac that what he’s doing won’t make Fin better straight away, because he’s getting so excited. But he knows that it will help make a difference to Fin and others with type 1, and he’s thrilled about that.”

Isaac, who is a keen climber, said: “I wanted to help Fin because he’s my best friend and I want him to be better.”

Fin was diagnosed in 2012 aged two when his parents noticed he was drinking and going to the toilet more than normal.

“He was diagnosed immediately, admitted and kept in for five days whilst we were given a crash course in keeping our son alive via insulin injections twice a day,” Fin’s mum Bethan said.

“When Rebekah told me that Isaac wanted to climb Snowdon for Fin I was so overwhelmed and emotional as it’s such a massive feat for a six-year-old,” she added.

For further information or to make a donation, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Rebekah-Norton1.