I.A.M.

We will keep making a noise

Unfortunately Type 1 diabetes (T1D) does not stop for anything. It is relentless. It doesn’t stop when you are tired or when it is inconvenient or when you just want a break. There is no finish line that can be crossed. And that’s why we will continue to raise money toward Breakthrough T1Ds research to cure, treat and prevent Type 1 – because Callan doesn’t get to take a break either. We continue on – with strength, with love, and with unwavering hope.

If you would like to donate, it is not too late!

Callan's T1D Footprint from diagnosis till today shows you just how much space living with Type 1 takes up in his world. Let's make the fundraising numbers add up too!

Yesterday tugged on our heartstrings - our 1st OneWalk

On Sunday we rallied together with the local T1D community, friends and T1D Superheroes for a family friendly event and 5km walk at Cosmeston to help drive progress toward a world without Type 1 Diabetes. Breakthrough T1Ds annual One Walk is the biggest celebration of the year and BT1Ds flagship fundraiser for T1D research. Across the world, families, friends and colleagues are coming together to walk, connect and raise vital funds to turn Type One into Type None. We walked together for our special some1s- wearing our Breakthrough T1D T-Shirts with pride – to make life-changing Breakthroughs happen. Every step brings us closer to a cure. It was a truly unforgettable day – filled with hope, celebration, strength and inspiration. We have met wonderful people, were offered encouragement, shared stories and felt a unique sense of belonging, empowerment and mutual support. Everyone walking with Type 1 received a Superhero cape, they are an inspiration to us all, and here is a picture of our very own T1 Hero with his brothers and friends! Thank you again to every single one of you for being part of our journey and for you unwavering support every step of the way! We couldn’t do it without you! 

Sponsor Shout-out

As we wrap up our first ever Breakthrough T1 Diabetes Fundraising Campaign, we wanted to extend our deepest thanks to the incredible local business who has donated tons of cakes and sponsored our bake sales – The Finsbury Food Group. Their cake contributions went above and beyond anything we could have hoped for. With their support, the bake sales alone have raised over £404.  Their generosity and backing have not only helped raise funds for @BreakthroughT1DUK but also raised valuable awareness of Type  1 Diabetes, and together will help create a brighter future for people living with Type 1.  Thank you for being part of the lasting footprint for the T1D community now, and for generations to come. You have made a real difference!

Thank you for all your support!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all you wonderful people at YMB who helped us create something truly special yesterday. It was deeply humbling to see the school community come together for a day filled with fun, silliness, connection and purpose, all in aid of our Breakthrough T1D Fundraising Campaign. I can’t tell you how much our family appreciates your generous support of our cause. Callan walked away with a renewed sense of hope and belonging, knowing he is not alone in his journey. Thanks to your support and kind donations (£428 and counting!) we’ll be able to create a brighter future not just for Callan but for everyone living with Type 1 Diabetes. From the kind hearted bakers to the dedicated volunteers, from the selfless children to the thoughtful teachers - We couldn’t have done this without you! You are all spectacular! Thanks a million!

*We are on the final stretch now with 7 days to go till our OneWalk. Every pound brings us closer to turn Type One into Type None! If you haven't had the chance to donate yet, now is the moment to show your support.*

The smallest things make the biggest impact

When Callan went into hospital at diagnosis, we all had hoped that he would come home cured. Unfortunately this is not the case with Type 1 Diabetes.

The day Callan was diagnosed with T1D was a day of shock, disbelief, fear, and sadness. Our emotions were very raw. It overwhelmed all of us. Every now and then the enormity of it all would hit like a wave. Life would change forever. Before Callan even got his first dose of insulin, he was given Rufus - the bear with Type 1 Diabetes - Breakthrough T1Ds beloved Mascot.

Little did we know then that Rufus would bring Callan glimmers of hope and support over the coming weeks and months and that he would be worth his weight in gold. Their relationship wasn’t off to a good start initially, as Rufus also serves as a stark reminder about what responsibilities Callan has to take on on a daily basis. But with time he helped him navigate his new normal, showcasing the places on his body Callan has to inject with insulin in a playful way. He has proven a better therapist than us parents, reducing Callan’s fear of (pain from the) needles and helping him cope with his diagnosis. Having a friend like Rufus along for the ride is more than a simple comfort, he is always ready to bring a smile to Callan’s face, knowing that he is not alone.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will be invaluable to our fundraising. £100 could give Rufus, the bear with T1D, to 10 newly diagnosed children and transform their life after diagnosis.

6 Months Post Diagnosis - We are stronger together!

I am the parent of a Welsh born and bred boy who was diagnosed with T1D in October 2024 just before his 8^th birthday. My son is my inspiration and it is my mission to do as much as I can to keep him and other T1s safe.  As a family it is our priority to help my son come to terms with this lifelong chronic illness, and to empower him to manage it so he can grow and blossom into the beautiful person that he is.  

In an effort to show my son just how amazing he is, and to support everyone else affected by T1D, we have signed up for the world’s biggest Type 1 fundraising event, the Breakthrough T1D One Walk. The One Walk Cymru is an opportunity for the Welsh Type 1 community to come together, and raise awareness and support everyone affected by T1D.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes isn’t easy. The One Walk and our Fundraising efforts for Breakthrough T1 are our chance to show my son that he is not alone and that together we can make life better.

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

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