Harry’s Story
Welcome to our Diabetes UK Wellness Walk fundraising page!
This September, Harry and I will be taking on a 10‑mile wellness walk for charity, a real challenge for him, and a meaningful milestone for us both.
Harry was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 10 years old after suddenly becoming critically ill with life‑threatening DKA. Diabetic ketoacidosis isn’t just “a bad episode” — it’s a medical emergency. It happens when the body has no insulin at all, causing toxic acids to build up in the blood. Children can deteriorate frighteningly fast: vomiting, dehydration, confusion, rapid breathing, and in severe cases, organ failure, coma, or death. That’s how Harry’s diagnosis began sudden, traumatic, and terrifying.
Overnight, his childhood changed. He went from being a carefree boy to facing needles he was terrified of, constant monitoring, and equipment that caused painful skin trauma from adhesive reactions.
Type 1 is relentless. Hypos can drop him so low he risks losing consciousness or falling into a diabetic coma. Hypers can cause long‑term damage to organs and the immune system.
And something many people don’t realise is that Type 1 diabetes commonly affects muscle strength, stamina, and recovery. Because the body can’t regulate insulin normally, muscles don’t always get the steady energy supply they need. This leads to fatigue, reduced endurance, and difficulty with long‑distance activity, so long walks genuinely take a toll.
All of this has impacted Harry’s confidence, physical health, and mental wellbeing. There have been moments where diabetes felt bigger than him and heavier than people realise. But he’s also received incredible care, especially during the times when his mental health took a hit. That support has helped him rebuild confidence, understand his condition, and feel empowered rather than defined by it.
That’s why this walk matters. It’s not just ten miles, it’s ten miles of courage, growth, and proof of how far he’s come.
In September, we walk for charity, for awareness, and for every family navigating Type 1.
Ten miles. One cause. A journey that deserves to be seen.
My Achievements
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10 Donations!
Thanked Supporters
£25 Raised
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My Updates
Proud mum of a type 1 warrior
Tuesday 21st JulThank you to my Sponsors
£107
Martin Colliss
£100
Gavincolliss@yahoo.co.uk
Smash it Haz x x
£43.60
Joy Donnell
Good luck 🥰
£43.60
Cristiana Fecioru
£33.15
Sally Hughes
Good Luck Harry. This is amazing. Proud of you x
£28
Phanos Evangelou
Goodluck !!!
£25
Anonymous
£25
Julianne Law
You’re both incredible! X
£22.80
Wendy Trenery
Donated. Let me know the details of the walk
£13.32
Good luck boy, go smash it. So proud of you ❤️