Douglas Stafford team member recognised for her work with diabetes sufferers 

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

A team member from Douglas Stafford has been nominated for a top award for her support and work with sufferers of diabetes.

 

Laura Cleverly, who works in the Video Editing department at the company’s Lakeside North Harbour head office, has Type 1 diabetes and has worked on a number of national diabetes projects helping to raise awareness about the condition.

 

As a result of her outstanding work, Laura, 28, has been shortlisted to receive The Quality in Care People’s Hero Award, which shows national recognition to those who go the extra mile to support people with diabetes and their families.

 

In recent years, Laura has used the internet and social media – under her profile name Ninjabetic – to help and support others.

 

Laura, who was diagnosed with diabetes 12 years ago, said: “I started using social media under the name Ninjabetic three years ago, after realising that there was a real need for a supportive online and face to face community that would bring fellow sufferers together, and get them to share their experiences, stories and health tips.

 

“I now work on a number of national diabetes projects helping to create and develop better diabetes care across the UK. I also work with charities such as Diabetes UK, JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and DRWF (Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation).”

 

Recently, Laura has been in Holland supporting 132 children with Type 1 diabetes, from 12 different countries, playing in a junior football world cup tournament.

 

Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which can be linked to lifestyle and weight, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and has no known cause, meaning it cannot be prevented.

 

Laura added: “The event showed that despite having diabetes, the youngsters can do anything children their age can do!”

 

The person who nominated Laura on the Quality in Care Programme website, said: “It is hard to imagine how Laura manages to spend so much time supporting others through their diabetes journey given the all the work and studies she does. I couldn’t be more proud that my daughter looks up to Laura as a positive role model.”

 

Voting closes on the 12th September 5pm and the winner will be announced at the QiC Diabetes Awards presentation on October 16t at Sanofi’s headquarters in Guildford.