Pupils urged to get active for Diabetes Day

SCHOOLS across the district are being challenged to follow in the footsteps of Abercorn Primary which last year helped Diabetes UK Northern Ireland reach their staggering target of £6,000.

Local schools are being invited to sign up for a 'PE Day for Diabetes' on January 29 to help raise awareness of the differences between Type One and Type Two Diabetes.

Current figures show 65,000 adults and 1000 children diagnosed with diabetes in Northern Ireland. It is estimated that a further 12,500 people in Northern Ireland have diabetes but do not yet know it.

Both primary and secondary school pupils across Northern Ireland will take part in a poster competition and sponsored PE activity with prizes for the best posters and highest fundraisers.

As well as raising vital funds for diabetes research the pupils will learn about the illness and indicate on their posters the differences in the two main types. While Type 1 diabetes occurs in childhood and its cause is largely unknown, Type 2 diabetes generally occurs in adulthood and is linked to diet and lifestyle issues.

Schools interested in taking part in the initiative should contact Jennifer McGivern, Fundraising Manager at Diabetes UK Northern Ireland on 028 9066 6646 or email [email protected]. Promotional materials will be provided to every school to support their efforts. Tesco is supporting both events by making a donation to Diabetes UK Northern Ireland and promoting the events in stores across Northern Ireland.