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Sir Ian Botham
”Stephanie Marks was only 17 when she died. My daughter is also in her teens and shares her life with diabetes.
This Appeal not only aims to raise funds to develop a unique centre, but raise awareness of a condition which is often misunderstood and which can lead to long-term medical problems if left undetected and not carefully managed.
Please do offer your support ... diabetes could hit you for six!”
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”HIT DIABETES FOR SIX CONFERENCE”, April 2005, BMA House, London
Heartfelt pleas to support the Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal were made by the parents of Stephanie Marks and Cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham and his wife Kathy. They are supporting the appeal for a dedicated resource centre to improve diabetes care across Surrey and West Middlesex. The Appeal aims to raise £800,000.
Speaking at BMA House in central London, Ian Botham gave his continued backing to the appeal by describing the impact diabetes has had on his own family life. He said: ”I am well known for the support I have given to leukemia research which came to my attention when I met patients with leukemia. But diabetes has had a more direct impact on my family and I believe it is essential that we raise awareness about this growing problem and how important it is that individuals manage their own condition.” ”There are tough personal decisions to take as a diabetic and greater public awareness is key to making progress. It is clear that with predictions that 300 million people worldwide will have diabetes by 2010, I am pleased to be able to support the Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal and will be doing anything I can to assist.”
Stephanie’s father, Chris Marks, spoke from the heart about how proud Stephanie would be to know that a centre bearing her name was to be built. He said: ”The support of local people for the appeal has been fabulous but imagine what we can do with the support of corporate and industry sponsors. Both Sue and I are pleased that Stephanie’s dream of being a doctor will be carried through into this centre of excellence for patients, relatives and healthcare professionals.”
Appeal Chairman Clive Thompson CBE outlined how the proposed service will benefit 450,000 people covering the area of North Surrey and Outer London. He urged corporate donors to give generously in Phase II of the appeal and support a cause which has already gained a major local presence and is well supported by local people.
Speaking about the impact of diabetes Dr Mike Baxter, Consultant Diabetologist and Medical Director at Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust, said: ”This is a disease of ’biblical’ proportions and the risks from diabetes are very real. As a diabetic team we were all devastated by Stephanie’s death. German statistics show that every 15 minutes there is a death; every four minutes polyneuropathy; every 19 minutes an amputation; every 90 minutes someone goes blind; and every four hours someone enters a dialysis unit – all linked to diabetes. This is a big deal!”
With regards to the proposed dedicated resource centre, Dr Baxter said: ”We know that we will be able provide better care and get more patients involved in the management of their own condition with facilities where we can provide education and training. We want resources at the centre that will be useful to patients and their relatives just as much as we need to provide facilities for doctors and nurses.”
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For further information, to purchase tickets for an event, or to request a leaflet, please call 01932 722330 or email: val.levy@asph.nhs.uk
The Stephanie Marks Appeal, Communications and Fundraising, The Studio, Ashford & St Peter’s NHS Trust, Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0PZ
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