Pride of Britain prize for type 1 campaigner

The mother of a boy who died because of his undiagnosed diabetes has won a top award for her awareness raising campaign.

Beth Baldwin has been named as the Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year for Wales and has also been announced as a finalist in this year’s national Pride of Britain Awards.

Her son Peter passed away early this year at the age of just 13 as a result of his type 1 diabetes not being picked up.

Since then Beth and her husband Stuart, who are from Wales, have been working hard to increase awareness of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes and raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.

If I can stop any other family going through the experience of losing a child to type 1 diabetes then all of the work we’ve done so far will have been worth it

Beth said: “I am incredibly grateful for all the recognition that I’ve received for the work we have been doing in memory of Peter.

“I want to use this opportunity to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes, to make people aware of how serious the condition is and how to spot the symptoms in children. These include going to the toilet a lot, being excessively tired or thirsty and unexplained weight loss.

‘Serious condition’

“If I can stop any other family going through the experience of losing a child to type 1 diabetes then all of the work we’ve done so far will have been worth it.”

Beth is working with Diabetes UK to promote their 4Ts campaign to increase awareness of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children and young people. The 4Ts are a catchy way to remember the main symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children and young people – toilet, tired, thirsty and thinner.

The campaign aims to reduce the high proportion of children who become seriously ill because they are not diagnosed with the condition early enough. It is thought this happens in about a quarter of cases and can lead to organ damage, coma or in the worst cases can be fatal.

Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “Beth is an incredible ambassador for Diabetes UK and is working constantly to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes in children. We are overwhelmed by the generosity that has been shown by Peter’s family and friends and our hearts go out to them.

“Type 1 diabetes isn’t currently preventable and is an extremely serious condition that has nothing to do with being overweight. The symptoms can develop very quickly so it is vital that we raise awareness of the 4Ts to parents, healthcare professionals and anyone else who is in contact with children.

“We will be using the funds raised in memory of Peter, and all of the support that we have received, to grow our work in Wales to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes. We hope this will be a fitting legacy for Peter.”

To donate to the Peter Baldwin Diabetes UK fund, visit www.justgiving.com/PeterBaldwinWHS/.