Diabetes support group faces threat of closure

A SUPPORT group for people with a life-changing condition will fold by Christmas if they do not attract more members.

The Diabetes UK Grimsby And District Volunteer Group will not survive the new year as membership continues to dwindle.

The support and fundraising group has just 13 members, many of whom are elderly, after forming a decade ago.

Now they are appealing for new members so they can continue their valued work.

Recently, they donated £2,000 to Diabetes UK, made from public donations and small fundraising events.

Secretary David Knighton said: "Membership has dwindled and costs are too much. We do a raffle and a name card each meeting, but we are lucky if we break even.

It is such a shame because it is a chance for people who have been through the same thing to meet."

Figures published by Diabetes Health Intelligence and National Diabetes Information Service show in North East Lincolnshire, more people are diagnosed with both types of diabetes than the national average. Almost 8 per cent were diagnosed in 2012 and predicted figures show this could rise to 8.4 per cent in 2020 and 9.2 per cent by 2030.

However, facilities for diabetic patients continue to improve locally and now many surgeries have their own designated diabetes nurse.

Chairperson Pat Goodwin said: "It is very sad to see so few of us left. We treat it as more of a social get-together. We are all getting older and it is harder to keep it going."

Rose Lee-Gough, volunteer development officer for Diabetes UK, accepted their donation, which will go towards research and providing information and support to sufferers.

She said: "It is really sad to see this happen and it will leave a big hole. The group provides fantastic support."

Among those who have been helped are Roy and Irene Ellis, of Cleethorpes, after Roy was diagnosed 13 years ago.

He said: "It is a life-changing condition which would have been harder without this group. We don't want it to fold."

Find out more by phoning 01469 518688 or e-mailing david.knighton@ntlworld.com.