Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Volunteer nod for emma
Inspiring youngster honoured with award
An inspiring Airdrie schoolgirl has received a national award from Diabetes Scotland for her impressive volunteer work.
Emma Stein won the “young person’s outstanding contribution” category at the charity’s annual Inspire awards, in recognition of her work in supporting other people with the condition.
The 12- year- old, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for eight years, volunteers for the Lanarkshire family group run by Diabetes Scotland and works hard to educate others about living with the condition – including teachers and fellow pupils.
Emma was called a “worthy winner” by organisers, and said that receiving the honour at the online ceremony was “like getting an Oscar!”
She said: “I was shocked, amazed and proud to win the Inspire award – I was nominated last year, but this was even better.
“I volunteer because I got lots of help and advice from others when I was first diagnosed, so I like to help others now – I felt so much better knowing that I wasn’t alone and wasn’t the only child with diabetes.”
Cairnhill resident Emma, who has just started at Airdrie Academy, added: “I just want others to feel the same and help them to know that you can live a normal life.
“I don’t let my diabetes hold me back.”
Mum Vicki said: “The whole family is so proud of Emma, and we’re delighted that she’s won the Diabetes Scotland Inspire award. She takes her diabetes in her stride and she’s always eager to help others with the condition.”
Diabetes Scotland national director Angela Mitchell said: “Emma is an exceptional young volunteer who goes out of her way to support other children with diabetes.
“As well as raising awareness in her school and getting involved in all of the group activities, she has also befriended another child who has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and provides reassurance and understanding.
“Our volunteers work hard in the community day in, day out – our muchneeded work wouldn’t be possible without their incredible support and I extend my sincere thanks to all who make an enormous positive difference to the lives of people living with diabetes.”
The condition means that there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly.
Emma is the second consecutive Airdrie youngster to win the young person’s award from Diabetes Scotland, following in the footsteps of 2019 winner Beth Harris.
Now aged nine, St Edward’s Primary pupil Beth was honoured last year for her work with the Lanarkshire family group and her fundraising for the charity, including collecting more than £300 through the annual One Million Step challenge.
Email scotland@diabetes.org.uk for more information about volunteering for Diabetes Scotland or joining the local group.
Meanwhile, Diabetes UK is encouraging fundraisers to take part in its virtual cycling challenge next month, completing one of four distances ranging from 120 to 950 miles during the course of the month-long challenge .
For more details go to diabetes.org. uk/ride.
The charity says: “During the past few months, demand for our services has reached unprecedented levels and our own funding has been significantly impacted.
“People with diabetes need us right now and so we need your support to be able to continue fighting.”