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Stories from the heart make The Stephanie Marks Appeal's special day a memorable one.
The Stephanie Marks Appeal's recent Living with Diabetes Day was a great success. Hosted by Sir William Perkins's School in Chertsey, where Steph had been a student, 150 attendees enjoyed a day of "information and inspiration". Whilst the primary aim of the day was to raise awareness of diabetes and educate people with the condition, their families, friends and carers, the day also raised around £7,000 clear. The Stephanie Marks Appeal is dedicated to improving the quality of diabetes care throughout North Surrey and Outer London by building a new state of the art diabetes resource centre to be built within the grounds of St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey. This centre will be linked by a sophisticated IT system to GP clinics and community hospitals located throughout the community, giving you faster access to a broader level of care closer to home.
Becky Botham, daughter of Appeal's patron Ian Botham, has lived with diabetes since the age of 9. She was one of the special guests who gave a very personal insight into her experiences. Becky comments, "It was a very educational and touching day. I felt and I hoped that I had helped some parents and teenagers get a better idea about diabetes and just how serious the condition really is."
Living with Diabetes Day Kid's Club
organized by Runnymede Leisure Playscheme
Children also benefited from the day with educational input from the Trust's Paediatric Specialist Diabetes Nurse, Anne Lyddall, whilst having a fabulous day of activities organized by Runnymede Leisure Playscheme www.runnymede.gov.uk/leisure.
Steve Acton, Executive Chef with Cater Link, together with Alun Willis,
Head of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust
Steve Acton, Executive Chef with Cater Link, together with Alun Willis, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust gave a cookery demonstration and explanation of the GI diet which was another highlight of the day.
Paddy Turner, who has Type 1 diabetes, swam solo across the English Channel to raise money for the Appeal gave an inspirational presentation as part of the Don't Let Diabetes Hold You Back part of the day. He made the point, "Diabetics have to learn to compete with non-diabetics and you can!!!"
"We have had excellent feedback on the day in the form of messages, e-mails and phone calls. People said they found the day instructive and worthwhile but more than anything else they thoroughly enjoyed it. The management team at Sir William Perkins's School was delighted with the way the event went and is happy to host it again next year", said Val Marks/Claire Daniels, Fundraising Managers for Ashford & St. Peter's NHS Trust.
The Living with Diabetes Day will now become an annual feature of the Stephanie Marks Appeal calendar. For further information about the Appeal, please call 01932 722330.
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