Our
Charity Partner

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Who is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation?

JDRF is the type 1 diabetes charity, improving the lives of people with type 1 diabetes until we find the cure. We fund word-class research to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes. We also provide information and support for those diagnosed with the condition and their families at all stages. We give hope and a voice to people when they need it the most and we campaign to make life-changing type 1 treatments and technology available to everyone who needs them.

Over 29,000 children and young people in the UK live with type 1 diabetes, with nearly 3,000 children receiving a new diagnosis of this lifelong condition each year. This often comes with no warning symptoms or signs, and there is nothing we can do to stop it from happening. A new diagnosis of type 1 is a traumatic experience, not only for the child, but for the whole family – their lives are never the same again.

The child will endure a relentless regime of up to 2,200 fingerprick blood tests and 1,800 insulin injections each year, just to stay alive. For a child or young person, this can have a devastating effect on their lives. Aside from the risk of health complications, type 1 diabetes can contribute greatly to serious mental health issues. In fact, young people with type 1 were twice as likely to suffer from mental health issues as the general population.

Children and young people’s education can also be greatly affected by type 1 diabetes, as the ever-present risk of blood sugar highs and lows means that pupils often cannot fully participate in some lessons or school activities. Over the past 36 years, JDRF has worked within local communities to develop a unique package of support for children and young people with type 1 diabetes and their families.

For more information on JDRF, please visit their website: