Diabetic Chester schoolboy delivers vital message on the condition to 10 Downing Street

Dec 2 2009 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

DIABETIC Zac Hirst from Chester hand delivered messages to Downing Street calling for increased Government funding into the condition.

Zac, nine, from Christleton, was a youth ambassador for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which exists to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.

The chronic, life-threatening condition affects about 350,000 people in the UK, including more than 25,000 children.

People with type 1 diabetes rely on multiple insulin injections or pump infusions every day just to stay alive.

The majority of the messages collected from those affected by the condition called for the Government to increase its focus on type 1 diabetes research and support JDRF's commitment to finding a cure.

Further messages called for increased provision of insulin pumps across the UK and more training for schools in dealing with children affected by the condition.

Zac was chosen by JDRF after volunteering to help the charity in its efforts to promote World Diabetes Day and was treated to a guided tour of JDRF research facilities at Westminster’s St Thomas’

Hospital.

Zac and mum Becki Tall also met with city MP Christine Russell to talk about diabetes issues in the Chester area.

Zac, who was diagnosed with the condition two years ago, said: “I really enjoyed the trip to Downing Street and handing over the messages at Downing Street. I especially enjoyed the tour of the Hospital and visiting the Houses of Parliament. I was proud to be there to represent everyone who has

type 1 diabetes.”

Ms Russell MP said Zac was keen that more teachers understand what living with type 1 diabetes is like.