A mum from Cardiff who has raised more than £70,000 for Diabetes UK Cymru in memory of her 13-year-old son has won a UK-wide award for her tireless fundraising.
Beth Baldwin was named the UK’s Best Volunteer Fundraiser at the Institute of Fundraising’s National Fundraising Awards in London.
Beth’s son Peter, 13, passed away from undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes in 2015. Since then Beth, her husband Stuart and Peter’s sister Lia, 12, have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition, hosting a multitude of fundraising events and presenting to Assembly Members at the Senedd.
The family helped launch Diabetes UK Cymru’s Know Type 1 campaign last summer to raise awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, which can develop very quickly. Since the campaign launched, Beth’s campaign video has been seen by more than one million people across Wales.
Beth was shortlisted alongside four other volunteer fundraisers from across the UK. She was presented with her award at a glittering awards ceremony in London hosted by comedian Stephen K Amos.
This is not the first time Beth’s efforts for the charity have been recognised. In 2015 she won Wales’ Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain Awards.
Around 1,400 children and young people in Wales have Type 1 diabetes, but one in four are not diagnosed until they are seriously unwell with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical attention. Diabetes UK Cymru’s Know Type 1 campaign raises awareness of the early symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, known as the 4Ts: Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner. If a child is going to the toilet a lot, has increased thirst which they can’t quench, is more tired than usual or is losing weight (getting thinner), take them to their GP immediately for a finger-prick test.
Beth Baldwin said:
“Winning this award was a great surprise and a huge honour. This is Peter’s legacy and I know he would be so proud of what we have achieved so far. It is very much a team effort and we are lucky to have the support of our brilliant friends and families. Knowing that we are making a difference to other families is what motivates us to keep raising awareness.
“Losing a child is something that no family should have to go through. It’s our mission to make sure that everyone has the 4Ts of Type 1 diabetes at the front of their minds. Being able to recognise the symptoms, get a quick diagnosis, and early treatment could save a child’s life. It’s all about helping as many other families as we can.”
Dai Williams, National Director, Diabetes UK Cymru, said:
“The Baldwins are a truly inspirational family and we are honoured to work with them to create a lasting legacy for Peter. We are proud and delighted that their incredible efforts have been recognised on a UK scale. Thanks to their tireless work they have raised vital funds and awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, meaning children across Wales are being diagnosed sooner, and more safely, before they become seriously ill.”
