Botham’s new foundation committed to diabetes

Sir Ian Botham and his family have spoken of their commitment to improving the lives of youngsters with diabetes after backing Type 1 charity JDRF.

The cricket legend has picked JDRF as one of five organisations to receive support from his new Beefy’s Charity Foundation.

The former England all-rounder’s daughter Becky Botham-Armstrong has Type 1 diabetes and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania for JDRF in June.

A Botham family spokesman said: “Ian Botham and family have lived alongside Becky’s diabetes since she was 9 years old, she is now 28 almost 29. We have had many ups and downs particularly in her teenage years but now married with two healthy young boys, Becky goes from strength to strength having climbed Kiimanjaro in June and planning both North and South poles in 2017.

“We are terribly proud of Becky’s achievements, together with a group of other people with diabetes she proved that having this illness does not prevent you from leading a full and exciting life. Beefy’s Foundation is committed to help improving the lives of youngsters with diabetes and hopes that one day Type 1 diabetes will be a thing of the past.”

Adele Claase, Head of Events for JDRF, said: “JDRF is so fortunate to have the Botham family as friends. Becky’s trek up Kilimanjaro was nothing short of heroic. To have the support of her father’s foundation is a wonderful bonus. Beefy’s Charity Foundation will help us to support vital research into better treating, preventing and one day curing Type 1 diabetes.”

Beefy’s Charity Foundation was launched in London on July 16. As well as JDRF, it will provide support to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, Brain Tumour Research and Support, Cardiac Risk in the Young and The Batten Disease Family Association.

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