T1KZ - Type 1 Kidz is a project facilitated by Investing in Children (IiC).

T1KZ supports children, young people and their families and friends living with type 1 diabetes.

Approximately 400,000 people are currently living with type 1 diabetes in the UK, with over 29,000 of them children

The UK has one of the highest rates of type 1 diabetes in the world, for reasons that are currently unknown

A person with type 1 diabetes will have around 65,000 injections and measure their blood glucose over 80,000 times in their lifetime.

T1KZ has 2 groups a month one in chester-lee street and the other in gateshead. these groups are a big help for children with diabetes as they are around other young people who also live with the same condition and can also give eachother support and guidence by sharing their own experience on living with this condition. they soon realise that they are not alone and are others just like them have people they can speak to in confidence if needed.

our son was diagnosed at the age of 3 and has lived with the condition now for 8 years. He has had lots of ups and downs as anyone who has or knows anyone with diabetes will know how hard it can be at times not just for the person living with the condition but the whole family.

our son has been going to the T1KZ group for over a year now and has helped him to become more confident and more happy knowing there are other people like him and has made some great friends.

I have decided to do the great north run this year to help raise money for this group so they can continue the great work they are doing with young people and continue to help long into the future with their constant help and support for current and newly diagnosed young people living with diabetes.