Breakthrough T1D UK receives £350,000 to expand type 1 diabetes support

Breakthrough T1D UK is delighted to announce a £350,000 donation from the Bukhman Foundation to support its Community Engagement programme.

This gift will help ensure that people living with type 1 diabetes and the people who support them, receive trusted information, connection and reassurance at every stage of their journey.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. It can be diagnosed at any age. Because insulin is essential for life, people with the condition must replace it multiple times every day, either through injections or insulin pumps, for the rest of their lives.

There is currently no cure. For the 400,000 people in the UK living with the condition, the demands are constant and unrelenting.

For many families, their journey with type 1 diabetes begins with a hospital diagnosis. It is often sudden, frightening and completely overwhelming.

Parents must quickly learn how to take on the role of their child’s pancreas, all while coming to terms with the reality that type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition.

At diagnosis, children receive an information pack that includes Rufus, the Bear with type 1 diabetes.

Rufus helps young children understand how insulin is given and offers comfort during an incredibly challenging time, becoming a small but meaningful source of reassurance when everything else feels uncertain.

Thanks to the Bukhman Foundation’s donation, Breakthrough T1D UK will now begin refreshing Rufus, preserving his comforting and educational role while introducing new features that reflect the modern technologies many people with type 1 diabetes now use to manage their condition.

Breakthrough T1D’s support continues long after diagnosis. The charity regularly brings people of all ages together through community events, where they can connect with their peers and learn more about the latest research, treatments and technologies.

In addition to funding work to refresh Rufus, the donation from the Bukhman Foundation will help sustain and expand these events, including working to engage even more young people, ensuring that no one in the type 1 diabetes community has to face the condition alone.

Karen Addington MBE, Chief Executive of Breakthrough T1D UK, said: “A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can feel devastating for families and for anyone suddenly facing the daily reality of this condition.

“Our community events, where people come together and talk about everything from technology and treatments to managing work, school and travel, are often the first moments that families realise they are not alone.”

She added: “The Bukhman Foundation’s generosity will allow us not only to expand this work but also to continue providing resources like Rufus the Bear, who brings comfort and practical support. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to the community.”

Anastasia Bukhman, Co-Founder of the Bukhman Foundation said: “Living with type 1 diabetes is life-changing, and for many families it begins with shock, fear and a lot of unanswered questions.

“That’s why support in the early days and beyond, matters so much. We believe people affected by type 1 diabetes deserve not only the best medical care, but also understanding, reassurance and a strong sense of community.”

She concluded: “Breakthrough T1D UK plays a vital role ensuring that no one has to face this journey alone, and we are proud to support their community engagement programme and the vital work they do for families from diagnosis through every stage of life.”