Andrew Robertson

Our New Normal: Walking for a Cure

On 17th July 2025, our world changed forever when our son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

There is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding diabetes, but the reality of T1D is stark: it is an unpreventable autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own insulin-producing cells. It has absolutely nothing to do with diet or lifestyle, and currently, there is no cure. It is a relentless, 24/7 chronic illness that demands constant vigilance.

Since diagnosis day, it has been an incredibly tough journey. What we now call our "new normal" is something no child should have to endure. Behind our son's brave smile is a daily reality consisting of:

• Endless needles and finger pricks just to keep his body functioning.

• The terrifying rollercoaster of blood sugars: from dangerous hypos (lows that require immediate sugar) to exhausting hypers (highs that cause lasting damage).

• Broken sleep from relentless overnight alarms warning us his blood sugar is dropping.

• Constant mental math: calculating carbohydrates for every single thing he eats to determine the right dose of life-saving insulin.

• Countless hospital trips, frequent calls to his diabetes team, and late-night calls to the emergency department.

Despite the heavy toll of this diagnosis, we haven't walked this path alone.

We are raising money for Breakthrough T1D because they have supported us literally from Day 1. We couldn't have navigated this terrifying new world without their wealth of knowledge, resources, and community support. On a more personal note, our son still fiercely loves his "Rufus the Bear with Diabetes" — a special comfort toy he received from them in the hospital that helped him understand he wasn't alone.

Now, we want to give back and fight for a future where T1D is a thing of the past.

My wife, our son and I taking part in One Walk Edinburgh to help raise money to fund life-changing research and make a difference to the lives of people affected by type 1!

Breakthrough T1D funds world-class research, supports the T1D community, and campaigns for broader NHS provision of treatments and technologies. Their collaborations with the best researchers in the world have led to new developments in diabetes technology and treatment.

This is where you come in. With your support and your generous donations, we can fund Breakthrough T1D’s important work.

Just £20 could help towards the next big T1D breakthrough.

Whatever you can donate, it is really appreciated - Thank you!