An Ashby Ivanhoe football coach - along with a group friends and players' parents - will tackling Snowdon next month to raise funds for Diabetes UK.

Richard Brookes' son Harry was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year, at the age of just eight.

The group will make their trek up Snowdon on July 29 in an effort to raise awareness of the disease - and hopefully surpass their target of raising £1,000.

But among those also putting on their walking boots will be Honor Massarella, a parent of one of the boys playing at Ashby Ivanhoe, who is also Type 1 diabetic and has been a source of support since Harry's diagnosis.

Harry's mum Jennifer said: "Type 1 is an incurable autoimmune disease and it is very close to our hearts with our own son, Harry being diagnosed in February, 2022.

Harry with Ashby Ivanhoe goalkeeper Tommy Dyche

"It started with a trip to the doctors for what we thought was a Urinary Tract Infections, but turned into a frightening admittance to the Children's High Dependancy Unit in Derby Royal."

Harry was admitted for Diabetic Ketoacidosis, also known as DKA, which is when there is severe lack of insulin in the body.

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Jennifer added: "He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes there and then at eight years old, just a week after his birthday.

"For us as a family, it's now our normal daily life and we're so proud of Harrison and how TD1 has not let him stop doing anything! 

Harry has not let Diabetes stop him playing football

"He plays football four times a week, you wouldn't have any idea if you didn't know him he was diabetic."

You can donate via the Just Giving page HERE - which also includes an insight of what families of Type 1 children go through on a daily basis.

Jennifer added: "We don't share our reality often, it really is life or death!

"Please help us raise money to spread awareness of this disease and help others see the early warning signals of Type 1. Thirsty, tired, toilet and thinner.

"Diabetes UK provides much needed research and support for people and families and one day we hope that there can be a cure. All monies raised will go straight to Diabetes UK."

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