Camp for diabetic patients praised
Young diabetic patients were treated to a fun packed activity weekend thanks to Birmingham Children’s Hospital staff.
A group of 30 children, aged between eight and 16 who have type 1 diabetes, were taken to the Pioneer Centre in Kidderminster for the annual trip which sees them taking part in a variety of activities.
Kirsty Mobberley, Diabetes Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “It’s a wonderful weekend where patients are able to bond and connect with others who have the same condition. Some form friendships for life and camp has a real family feel about it.
“Activities range from laser tag, high ropes, inflatable assault course and raft building to abseiling and zip lining.”
Staff from the Diabetes Team and a group of trained helpers, volunteer their time for the weekend event.
“For some it’s their first time away from home, we make sure they feel at ease and know that we are there to support them both clinically and emotionally,” added Kirsty.
“It’s a very inclusive environment and we encourage them to be themselves. Most importantly they have so much fun and feel like they are part of one big family.
“We’ve had some great feedback this year. One child told us that he forgot how good it feels to be with other children with diabetes and that he felt ‘normal’.
“It was another youngster’s final diabetes camp and he told us how he will miss the weekend away, he said how it ‘feels like they’re my family’.”
The Diabetes Team work hard to fundraise throughout the year to help subsidise the costs of the trip.
Kirsty explained: “We are constantly organising sponsored events that staff and their families take part in so we can help to part fund the trip. It’s such a special weekend and we’re already planning for 2026 Diabetes Camp.”
The Diabetes Team care for children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as rare forms of the condition.
For more information about how you can help towards funding the trip contact Kirsty Mobberley or Donna Sands.