A Derbyshire family raising funds to support children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes has achieved its fundraising goal. The milestone was reached with crucial support from Specsavers Derby. The locally owned opticians pledged over £275 to help Joanna and Gareth Parsons hit their £2,000 target.
The money will fund practical starter kits for children diagnosed with the condition at Derbyshire Children's Hospital. The kits were inspired by the family's own experience after their six-year-old son, Tristan, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year.
Gareth said: "Every year, around seventy-five families at Derbyshire Children's Hospital learn that their child has type 1 diabetes. For many, the diagnosis comes during a medical emergency. We want to support families facing a new diagnosis by fundraising for starter kits like Tristan's. We hope they ease some of the pressure and uncertainty that can come with type 1 diabetes. We also hope the kits help children return to everyday life more quickly, with practical items that make managing diabetes a little easier."
Uan Gohil, from Specsavers Derby, said: "When we heard about Gareth, Joanna and Tristan's incredible efforts to support other local families facing a type 1 diabetes diagnosis, we knew we wanted to help. As a local business, we are passionate about supporting worthwhile causes in our community and this initiative will make a real difference to families across Derbyshire at what can be an incredibly challenging time."
The family worked closely with the team at Derbyshire Children's Hospital who cared for Tristan, and they fully support the initiative. The starter kits will be provided directly to the hospital for distribution to newly diagnosed patients. The kits contain practical everyday items such as notepads, glucose, measuring cups, calculators, a dedicated bag, and colourful bracelets.
Gareth said: "For us it is about helping them to return to day-to-day life more quickly after being discharged and easing children and parent's return to normality. Having been through it ourselves, we know what belongs in a kit and what families are unlikely to need. The hospital's nursing team have told us these kits will be a real help for families adjusting to a new type 1 diabetes diagnosis."
Alongside the family's fundraising efforts, Gareth's employer supported him with the flexibility needed throughout Tristan's ongoing care. Gareth said: "Specsavers gave me the space and time I needed to be in hospital with my son for a week. Since then, they've continued to support us with the flexibility to attend regular hospital appointments, or to respond quickly if issues arise at school. That understanding has made a real difference for our family."
The fundraising also coincides with Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Week, which highlights the importance of monitoring eye health. Paul Morris, from Specsavers, said: "Routine eye examinations play a key role in identifying diabetic retinopathy at an early stage at any age. Early detection allows for timely referral and treatment, helping to protect sight and support long term eye health. Diabetes is rarer in younger people but often more difficult to manage – the packs being supplied will be vital support for families as they find their feet in managing the condition in young children. Specsavers' support for colleagues is something that I can personally vouch for. I've not only heard of inspiring stories like Gareth's but experienced that support myself when my family has faced challenges."
The Parsons family are continuing their fundraising efforts so they can provide even more starter kits for local families.
