Brentford Campaigner Aims to Help 1000 People this Year

Julia Tyson assesses risk of diabetes

A tireless volunteer from Hounslow is hoping to mark World Diabetes Day by helping her 1,000th person this year to find out if they are at risk of diabetes.

Julia Tyson is a regular volunteer at Diabetes UK Roadshows - a touring bus that offers people the chance to find out their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.

So far this year she has undertaken risk assessments for 964 people, travelling across London and the South East to attend Diabetes UK Roadshows, which are typically held monthly in different boroughs and towns.

As there are no more roadshows planned for the capital this year on Saturday, November 14 (World Diabetes Day), Julia will travel to Leicester to volunteer at a roadshow in the town, where she hopes to hit the magic 1,000 figure.

Julia, who has had Type 1 diabetes for 49 years and lives in Brentford, said: “Helping Diabetes UK and people with diabetes is my mission and whatever I do I still don’t think it is enough. I enjoy helping out at the Roadshows and other events and am delighted to have the chance to hit the 1,000th mark this year.”

Roz Rosenblatt, Diabetes UK Manager in London, said: “Julia helps us out three or four times every single week - she is a very dedicated person and we are lucky to have her help. Her warm smile puts people at ease whether she is at a roadshow or another of our events.

“There are more than 400,000 people living with diabetes in London and our dedicated volunteers help them manage their condition, campaign to improve the quality of care available to them, fundraise for pioneering research and work to stem the rising tide of diabetes.”

Type 2 diabetes is serious and can lead to devastating complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness or amputation. But, if managed properly, people with Type 2 diabetes can live long, healthy lives. Four out of five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be stopped or delayed by eating a healthy diet, taking regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.

Diabetes UK has partnered with Tesco to deliver roadshow tours across the country which aims to reach over 27,000 people with potentially life-changing information over two years. The Leicester Roadshow will be held at Humberstone Gate, LE1 3PH, on Saturday, November 14 from 9am - 5pm.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer for Diabetes UK or to join a local support group, email london@diabetes.org.uk.

November 6, 2015