Thirty families are looking forward to a fun-filled day out at the zoo this summer thanks to local Diabetes UK volunteers and staff at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

Children with diabetes, their siblings and families are going to Paignton Zoo in Devon following donations from the Plymouth Diabetes UK Voluntary Group and the Queen Victoria Masonic Lodge in Plymouth.

Diabetes UK Voluntary Group Plymouth chair David Cudlip said that the group is delighted to be supporting the event for local families on August 15.

He said: “The group received a donation from The Queen Victoria Masonic Lodge requesting that the money be used for children with diabetes. This fitted perfectly for our plans for a trip to the zoo.  Our members understand the challenges that having diabetes can pose, particularly for children and their families. We are keen to give all those on the trip a memorable day out, and provide families with the opportunity to gain support and advice from each other.”

There are Diabetes UK voluntary groups across the country, providing support, education and social events for those in the area affected by the condition.

Diabetes UK South West Volunteer Development Support Officer Emily Perriam said: “We would like to thank the Plymouth group for providing the funding for this event. We wish all those involved a really great day.”

Staff at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust have selected the local families who are going on the trip.

Becky Smith, consultant paediatrician, said: "For young people being diagnosed with diabetes is something that poses daily challenges and affects even the simplest of activities. This is something our young people face with remarkable courage and skill. The paediatric diabetes service at Derriford Hospital has found running organised activities for young people with diabetes and their families is hugely beneficial.

“It allows the young people and their families to realise they are not alone but most of all it allows them to have fun and feel positive about managing their diabetes. We are extremely grateful to our local Diabetes UK group for their support in funding this trip and the generous financial help they give us in funding other activities for our families."

Diabetes UK and JDRF have launched a video to raise awareness of the most common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in children. This aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of the condition. Watch the film at https://www.jdrf.org.uk/type1aware