Last summer I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I had lots of support from family, friends and the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley and I wanted to give something back. Being a keen swimmer, I completed a sponsored swim at Gleddoch Leisure Centre, Langbank, on Friday 11th December 2009. I managed 64 lengths in 34 minutes and I would like to thank all of you – my kind and generous sponsors – for your donations and messages of support. You've been fantastic! I also want to thank Gleddoch House who hosted the event, collected donations and gave vouchers for golf and overnight accommodation, plus dinner, bed and breakfast for two, to auction – what a fab gesture !Sponsorship donated through this site goes to Diabetes UK, the national charity for diabetes research and support. I am also donating sums of money to the Paediatric Diabetic Endowment Fund and Ward 15 at the RAH.  I've raised £1,600  (inc Gift Aid).

This month (July) me and my friend Eleanor went to the RAH to hand over a lovely 32'' TV (Which i wanted for my room), DVD Player and cable.The Nursery nurse ,Ward sister and some other staff were in a photo along with me and Eleanor.

Kind wishes,

Afton Fotheringham (age 10)

Afton learned to swim when she was three years old. She is a member of the Sunday Club (which trains youngsters at pre-club level) at Erskine Swimming Pool. She won her first competition in August 2007 at Gleddoch Leisure Club when she recorded the fastest time for four lengths in the 9-11 age group (while aged 8!)

Afton won her first Silver Medal in the 25m butterfly at the junior Renfrewshire county swimming gala in June 2009. This is a competition between swimmers aged 14 years and under from Erskine, Paisley Lagoon and Renfrew.

Following her diagnosis with Type 1 in August, Afton went on to achieve her 1,000 metres badge during swimming sessions with her school – the only girl in school to do so. The three others who gained the badge were Primary 7 boys.

Afton has not let her diabetes hold her back. She enjoys a range of sports and activities, such as football, basketball and tennis. She is chuffed to bits by all the support she has had from friends, family and all the big-hearted DAFC fans from far and wide – your support means so much to Afton. Thank you!

 

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