Vanessa Culliford

The older half of a Mother Daughter Team; Type 1 Diabetic for 54 years and still fighting

I have registered for the Virtual Triathlon, a challenge for Breakthrough T1D (the type 1 diabetes charity) alongside my eldest daughter Imogen. We will be taking part from 1 February to 29 March, I will be swimming, cycling and attempting to run (or at least walk very fast) towards a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D), this isn’t so much for me, it’s for the next generation of Type 1’s, I simply consider myself very lucky to still be here after six decades of this all encompassing disease, many T1D friends sadly did not make it this far. 

I am constantly amazed I have defied  the odds, and I’m very aware my continued existence gives hope to many T1’s and their parents. 

Breakthrough Type1 as a charity has many vital functions in the UK,  such as raising money and campaigning 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. They provide training for newly diagnosed T1’s and health care professionals; their aim is to cure T1 Disbetes in the hope that no one will have to inject or infuse insulin to stay alive and all the other complications and day to day difficulties are a thing of the past. 

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.

Imogen and myself will be running an online raffle for a huge Easter Hamper! £1 a ticket… details of this to  to follow