At the age of 3, Abigail Courtney from Ashford, was diagnosed with having type1 diabetes. Now aged 8, and having to inject four times a day with insulin to stay alive, her parents John and Rebecca show their continued support by raising the awareness of this complex condition.
John and Rebecca Courtney presenting cheque at the recent Living with Diabetes Day for £5,000 to Clive Thompson, Chair of The Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal and Chair of Ashford & St Peter’s NHS Trust
Masters Shoe Repairs have just been key sponsors at the recent ‘Living with Diabetes Day’, a popular annual event organised by The Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal aimed at people with diabetes, their families and carers. On the day, Masters Shoe Repairs donated a further £5,000 bringing their total contribution to the Appeal to almost £10,000 in just four years.
Funds were raised by Masters Shoe Repairs in Ealing by donating money from the ‘smaller’ jobs, such as adding an extra hole to your belt, adding a stitch or two on your handbag, or simply gluing down the edge of a shoe. The Appeal, which looks to raise awareness of the condition and create a specialist diabetes resource centre within the grounds of St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey was launched in 2003. Building work for the new Resource Centre will commence in the autumn.
“Masters Shoe Repairs has been tremendous in its continued support”, explains Val Marks, Fundraising Manager for the Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal. “By putting small donations in the collecting tin rather than back into the business, significant funds have been raised. Our sincere thanks to all the customers that have supported us, together with staff and pupils at Abigail’s school, Ashford Park Primary/Junior School, who purchased £1 for life key rings”.
Having served the local community for eight years, Masters Shoe Repairs is very well known. They will go out of their way to help – a true little gem who never misses an opportunity to help raise funds. Pop in when you’re next passing to see what’s on offer. More recently it was a signed QPR top being raffled, kindly donated by their trainer, having popped in to have a key cut. “More awareness needed about diabetes”, explains Rebecca. “People assume it is for adults, but people need to be aware that also children. Please continue to support the Appeal”.
Thank you for helping the Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal reach its financial target of raising £1 million. We couldn't have done it without your help. Construction of the Diabetes Resource Centre is now underway and is scheduled to be completed in the Autumn 2009.
Official fundraising for the Appeal has now stopped but donations are still welcome and needed to support patient education and materials.
Please send your cheque payable to "The Stephanie Marks Appeal" to Janet Booker, Cashier, St. Peter's Hospital (telephone 01932 722334).
