TWO-YEAR-OLD Richard Jamieson is one of the children who is already benefiting from our Pumps 4 Kids campaign.
Recently diagnosed with diabetes, Richard has been able to go straight onto pump therapy instead of having to endure four or five injections of insulin a day.
The toddler, who lives with his family on the Ballawattleworth Estate in Peel, will have better control of his condition because of the pump – and it’s all thanks to the generosity of everybody who has supported our campaign.
Related article: {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/you-have-raised-cash-for-these-kids-1-4464882|You have raised cash for these kids}.
Richard’s mum Donna is something of an expert in type 1 diabetes. Her husband, also called Richard, was diagnosed at the age of 18 and the couple have an eight-year-old daughter, Maisie, with the condition. They also have a three-year-old, Emilia, who doesn’t have diabetes.
Donna said: ‘My husband had a pump but there wasn’t one available for Maisie, who was diagnosed at the age of three. She had injections for a couple of years and then we decided we would raise the money ourselves to buy her a pump. Because of the Isle of Man Newspapers and Manx Diabetic Group campaign, our son got a pump as soon as he was diagnosed. We feel very lucky.’
Donna has noticed the difference having a pump has made to Maisie’s life and is confident toddler Richard will cope well with one.
She said: ‘It’s hard at first but it does get easier. I think, for children, it’s vital to be on a pump.’
• If you would like to help Pumps 4 Kids, send your donation to The Treasurer, Pumps 4 Kids, 9 Hillcrest Grove, Birch Hill, Onchan, IM3 3HZ. Alternatively, a special account has been set up at Barclays, under the account name Manx Diabetic Group – Pumps 4 Kids. The account sort code is 20-26-74 and the account number is 33877280. Donations can be made in person at the bank or by sending the money to Barclays Private Clients International, Isle of Man International Banking Centre, PO Box 9, Barclays House, Victoria Street, Douglas, IM99 1AJ. Cheques can be made payable to Pumps 4 Kids.
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