Brave Elgin girl inspires mum
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Ellie Stringer with mum Fiona Murray (right) and Zumba teacher Mel Allen
BRAVE Ellie Stringer’s daily routine involves injections and blood tests using a total of 10 needles.
So mum Fiona Murray admits that a five-day trek across Peru will be like a walk in the park compared to the challenges faced by her young daughter.
Ellie (5) was diagnosed last year with Type 1 diabetes, just after her fourth birthday.
At the time the diagnosis was devastating for her mum, but seeing how Ellie has coped with the condition has inspired her.
Fiona is heading to South America later this year to raise awareness and funds for Diabetes UK.
"For Ellie, life is a challenge every day," she said, "so I thought I would challenge myself to do something.
"Ellie was healthy, and there was no history of diabetes in the family. Doctors think it was triggered by a virus."
Ellie’s increasing thirst and weight loss alerted her mum to a potential problem.
Despite being just five, Ellie is able to test her own blood, although insulin injections have to be performed by her mum or school staff at West End Primary School, where she is a pupil.
"Ellie is able to test her own blood, supervised by school staff. West End have been really good," she said.
The support of paediatric diabetes nurse Alison Wilson has also been invaluable in helping Ellie to cope with her condition.
Fiona has set herself the target of raising £5,000 for vital research into diabetes with her trek in October.
As part of that process, Fiona and her friend, Mel Allen, a fitness instructor and Zumba dance teacher, are organising a sponsored Zumba session at Elgin Community Centre on Saturday, June 18 from 2pm. The price of the session is £4, and all proceeds will go towards the diabetes fund.
The session will coincide with Diabetes Awareness Week, when Fiona will be involved in sessions with the Moray support group.
Before that, Fiona will host a ladies’ night at Beaver Travel in Elgin, where she works, on Friday, May 27, which will include a Vie at Home party, jewellery and tea cakes. Tickets priced £2, which includes refreshments, are available from Beaver Travel in South Street.
West End School is also hoping to arrange a dress-down denim day in support of her efforts.
Anybody who would like to support her fund-raising or buy tickets for events can contact Fiona by e-mail at fionamurray121@hotmail.com or by phoning 07525 417432.
