We will be holding a charity football game on the 9th of September to raise money for a close charity to us which is Diabetes. Half of any money we raise will go towards the official Diabetes UK charity and the other half will go towards funding sensors for my girlfriend Caitlin to help her with her Diabetes.

These sensors are called Freestyle Libre Sensors which are attached at the arm and can monitor her blood sugar levels every minute of the day instead of having to finger prick her finger. The reason why we are raising money for these is because the NHS are not funding for the sensors on prescription in Worcestershire which means Caitlin has to pay £50 every 2 weeks for a sensor to help her try and cope with her condition.

Caitlin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the January of 2016 at the age of 19. It has been really difficult for her as it came as a complete shock and has changed her whole life around. Type 1 diabetes for anyone who is unaware means that Caitlin’s pancreas has shut down and does not supply her body with any insulin. Without insulin we cannot survive. Having Type 1 diabetes means Caitlin has to take insulin injections morning, night and every time she eats as well as having to prick her finger to see her blood sugar level. She would then have to act upon it and carbohydrate count her food and work out a ratio of insulin for the food.

As many of you know Caitlin has struggled for the past 2 years to control her diabetes which has led to her suffering with mental health issues along side the condition. Many people with diabetes also lead into suffering with other issues as it’s such a complicated condition to control.

We want to raise awareness and try and help people who have Diabetes whether it’s Type 1, Type 2 or Gestational. Raising some money for the charity and sensors would not just mean a lot to her as it would make her condition more manageable but would also mean a lot to the people around her who care about her health and well-being.

It has been estimated that over 4 million people suffer with having diabetes (1 in 16) and we want to show our support and help them as much as we can being something so close to our hearts.

We thank you very much.