School plaque tribute to pupil
A COMMEMORATIVE plaque has been unveiled at a Cardiff high school in memory of a pupil who died from undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes.
Peter Baldwin died suddenly on January 6, 2015, after battling a chest infection and virus which was masking his Type 1 diabetes.
Since then Peter’s parents Beth and Stuart Baldwin and sister Lia, 11, have campaigned for more awareness of the early symptoms of the condition and have raised more than £70,000 for Diabetes UK Cymru.
The staff and pupils of Whitchurch High School, where Peter was in Year 8, have supported the Baldwin family’s fundraising in a variety of ways, from cake sales to film screenings, T-shirt sales and a sponsored run.
Peter’s classmates also supported Beth when she attended the Senedd earlier this year to provide evidence to the Petitions Committee meeting on early diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes.
Beth, Lia and Diabetes UK Cymru’s fundraising manager Joseph Cuff presented the plaque to headteacher Huw Jones-Williams and some of Peter’s classmates in recognition of the school’s ongoing support.
Mr Jones-Williams said: “Peter was a happy and much-valued member of our school community and our memories of him shine as bright as ever.
“It is a tribute to Beth, Stuart and Lia that out of immense tragedy comes such positive preventative action and as a school we have been privileged to support them and Diabetes UK Cymru’s Know Type 1 campaign. Our acceptance of this plaque is a testament to the Baldwin family and all that they do to provide a fitting legacy for Peter.”
Around 1,400 children and young people in Wales currently have Type 1 diabetes. Nobody knows what causes it, but the signs and symptoms can develop very quickly.
About one in five children are not diagnosed until they are in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention. Despite showing typical symptoms of Type 1 diabetes; extreme fatigue, weight loss, and frequently needing the toilet, Peter was not diagnosed until he was already seriously ill with DKA. Peter died just days later.
In June, Diabetes UK Cymru along with the Baldwin family launched the Know Type 1 campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, commonly known as the 4Ts.
The campaign aims to help people spot the symptoms and diagnose quickly, before the child becomes seriously unwell. The 4Ts are: Toilet – going to the toilet a lot, bed wetting by a previously dry child, or heavier nappies in babies
Thirsty – being really thirsty and not being able to quench the thirst
Tired – feeling more tired than usual
Thinner – losing weight or looking thinner than usual
If you spot any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately and ask for a finger prick test.
Beth said: “Peter loved his friends and school and as a family we are really moved by the love and support shown by the whole community at Whitchurch High School. They have taken Peter to heart in all they do and have helped us to raise a huge amount of money and awareness.”
Mr Cuff said: “Beth, Stuart and Lia’s tireless campaigning will help more families get a quick diagnosis. We have been honoured to work with the Baldwin family on our Know Type 1 campaign and look forward to continuing this vital work in 2018.
“We are so grateful to the students and staff of Whitchurch High School for the incredible support they have shown the Baldwin family and our Know Type 1 campaign.”