Mansfield Woodhouse: Family’s thanks for diabetes guidance

A young Mansfield Woodhouse diabetes sufferer and his mum are teaming up to back the charity that first helped him come to terms with his condition.
Jordan Millar and his mum Kelly are raising money for research into class one diabetes.Jordan Millar and his mum Kelly are raising money for research into class one diabetes.
Jordan Millar and his mum Kelly are raising money for research into class one diabetes.

Jordan Millar, 10, was diagnosed with type one diabetes at the age of six.

The Leas Park School pupil now carries his own hypo kit in classes.

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Proud mum Kelly, 28, is delighted with the way Jordan has coped after he was ‘very ill’ for five months as doctors struggled to pinpoint the problem.

It has driven her to hold an annual fundraising event for JDRF - the international diabetes charity who offered valuable advice in those early stages - and Jordan is keen to do his bit too.

This year’s fun day - the third of its type - will be held at the Angel pub in Mansfield Woodhouse where Kelly works on 26th May.

“It was quite a shock at first and really difficult as we didn’t know what was wrong with Jordan,” she said.

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“He has insulin injections four times a day and has regular checks on his kidneys, eyes and liver, but at least once the diagnosis was made it could be treated and Jordan has been very brave.

“The fundraising is our way of giving something back because we used JDRF’s helpline a lot when he was first diagnosed and they were always very helpful.”

“Jordan has been busy collecting sponsorship and I know he likes to sell cakes on the cake stall too. He helps however he can.”

So far the regular fundraising has brought in almost £3,000 with the help of generous locals.

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It is hoped the latest effort can take the total past the £4,000 barrier with a wheelbarrow race, bouncy castle, cake stand, sweet shop (with sugar free option), face painter, children’s tattoo artist, balloon maker, raffle and disco.

Kelly added: “There will be something for all the family and hopefully we will get the same kind of support we have had all year around, with people donating into the collection pots.”

JDRF - formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - sponsors more than 530 million dollars in scientific research in 17 countries and uses more than 80 per cent on income to fund research and education.

Lee Newman of JDRF Midlands said: “Type one diabetes is a challenging and complex conditiob, but one day a cure will be found.

“That will be thanks to wonderful supporters like Kelly and Jordan, who raise vital funds to support research. We are very thankful for their amazing efforts.”