A fantastic camping trip to Hastings for Kent families living with diabetes has been a great success this summer. The holiday was organised by Sharon Oliver, whose daughter Keira has Type 1 Diabetes, and was supported by the Paula Carr Diabetes Trust.

Using social media Sharon learned that many families in Kent living with Type 1 Diabetes experience isolation but are worried that taking a break will upset the daily regime of managing the condition. Throughout the week families were able to come and go as they pleased to enjoy the Hastings attractions, including a visit to RBE Trampolines who offered discounted tickets to the youngsters on the camp.

The week was rounded off with a theatre visit to see Grease at The White Rock Theatre. With tickets and ice creams funded by the Paula Carr Diabetes Trust, and show programmes for each family donated by the theatre, the 34 people attending the show had a great time.

Ros Debling, a Paula Carr Trustee, visited the camp and went along to the show. She said: “Sharon took on an enormous challenge to arrange this holiday. It was fabulous to see all the children playing together and going off on adventures around the camp site, while parents could sit and relax, discussing their lives, their experiences of living with Type 1 Diabetes and giving each other help and guidance. There is talk of another ‘Diabetics go Camping’ expedition in 2019, once Sharon has recovered!”

The East Kent Children’s Diabetes Team recently held an event for Year 6 children to help them prepare for their move to senior school. Sponsored by the Paula Carr Diabetes Trust, the event took place at the Thannington Resource Centre in Canterbury.

With some great feedback from the 19 children taking part, the event was a good opportunity for the Children’s Diabetes Team to see their patients outside the clinic – and for their patients to see them in a little less formal setting!

Highlights of the day included the backpack challenge and cool carbs. Rachel King, Paediatric Diabetes Nurse who helped organise the event, said: “The children all got really involved with these activities and although fun there was lots of learning going on too! It was a really positive day with the children looking out for each other and as a group they really bonded well and new friendships were made.”

One of the children said: “I feel more prepared for secondary school and it made me think of all the things I need to remember to take to school”.