Raising awareness of the 'silent assassin'
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BY INCREASING awareness of the ‘silent assassin’, the Moray Voluntary Group of Diabetes UK hope to raise knowledge and understanding of diabetes.
The National Lottery, Awards for all Scotland has announced that the Moray group has been awarded £3,359.00 toward their project "Talk Diabetes in Moray".
The project will be carried out through the summer with special attention towards National Diabetes Week which takes place between June 12 and 18.
With part of the money they received, the group have obtained a specially branded Diabetes UK mini marquee which will be taken around Moray raising appreciation and knowledge of Diabetes. The first outing was on Sunday June 5 where the group were on the Plainstones in Elgin with a bottle stall as part of Elgin Rotary’s Bells Marafun.
During National Diabetes Week, the stand will be in the Tesco car park in Elgin on Monday June 13, Tesco in Buckie on Tuesday June 14 and Tesco in Keith on Wednesday June 15.
On Friday June 15 to Sunday June 19, the group will be at the Burgie International Horse Trials near Forres.
Other outings are planned at the assorted highland games in July and August and the project will end at a sponsored walk in Roseile Forest on August 28.
The group will also be attending the volunteer fair at Elgin Town Hall on Tuesday, June 14 and the Buckie Rotary Club’s health awareness day on Saturday, June 12 at Cullen Memorial Hall. The group hopes that the public will approach them with any queries that they may have about diabetes.
Dave Duff, chairman of the Local Diabetes Group said "We are delighted to have received the support of Awards for All Scotland. Diabetes is known as the silent assassin and it is vital that the public have increased understanding of the condition.
"It is estimated that in Grampian alone there are around 5,000 people with diabetes who have not been diagnosed and the longer the condition remains untreated the greater the risk of dangerous complications.
"As well as raising awareness of the condition and the charity, we hope to raise a considerable amount to fund the essential work of Diabetes UK both locally and nationally."
TV presenter Phillip Schofield is a celebrity support of the charity's work.
Allan Kirkwood, Diabetes UK’s Volunteer Development Officer in Scotland said "The Diabetes UK Moray Voluntary Group has been doing great work for a number of years. ‘Talk Diabetes in Moray’ is an opportunity to build on that work and ensure that people with diabetes and those at risk in the area have information and support to make the right decisions."
Anyone who wishes to learn more about the local group or the upcoming project should contact Dave Duff on 01343 860671. Information and advice on diabetes is accessible through Careline Scotland on 0845 120 2960 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
