AS part of Diabetes Week this week, a mum from Carmarthenshire whose son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 25 years ago is holding a vegan afternoon tea to raise money for Diabetes UK Cymru.

Jayne Holland, 55, from Penboyr, is hosting the special fundraising event tomorrow.

Jayne’s son Ben was diagnosed with the condition in 1993, aged nine. Jayne said: “Ben was drinking so much that I began to become concerned. We started to tally every pint of liquid he had in a day. It soon became apparent that something was wrong, so we took him to the doctor for help and he was quickly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Being thirsty is a common symptom of the condition.

“The early days were difficult for Ben as he adjusted to life with this condition. He had to cope with numerous daily insulin injections, learn how to test his blood sugar levels and learn how to inject his insulin himself."

People with Type 1 diabetes don’t produce the hormone insulin, which controls the amount of glucose in the blood, so they must receive it via regular injections or via a pump. Nobody knows what causes Type 1 diabetes and it isn’t currently preventable.

Jane added: “It is now 25 years since Ben was diagnosed. He is now 34 and a chartered engineer, has completed a Masters in philosophy and is passionate about sport.

"He visits the gym most days and loves cycling, having cycled from Munich to Venice and from Paris to Cardiff for charity. He has also completed countless half and full marathons. He is a great advertisement for someone living life to the full with the condition, and for other families who have a child with Type 1.”

Jayne started her pop-up vegetarian and vegan restaurant Veganishmum three years ago, after enjoying cooking dinners for her family and friends. She runs it from her home.

Jayne said: “I wanted to do something to support Diabetes UK Cymru to mark Diabetes Week and celebrate how proud we are of how Ben has managed his condition over the last 25 years.”

Joseph Cuff, fundraising manager, Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “Type 1 diabetes can be complicated at times, but shouldn’t be a barrier to living a full and active life, as Ben’s story shows! It’s very encouraging to hear how well he has coped with life with the condition, and how much he has achieved.

“There are around 1,400 children and young people in Wales with Type 1 diabetes and we couldn’t continue to support them and their families without fantastic fundraisers like Jayne. We’re so grateful to her for organising this brilliant event this Diabetes Week, and hope lots of people come along to enjoy some tea and cake, and a bit of pampering.”

The afternoon tea will be held from 3pm to 6pm at Ty Gwyn, Penboyr, featuring a selection of vegan and non-vegan cakes and treats to enjoy.