Family want diabetes awareness after losing 13-year-old ‘Dude’
Artistic and kind-natured schoolboy Peter Baldwin had just entered his teenage years when his life was cruelly cut short.
The 13-year-old, fondly known as “Dude”, was taken to hospital and died just days later after battling a chest infection and virus which masked undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes.
But less than 12 months after his tragic death more than £37,000 has been raised in his honour by his family and friends – who claim a “simple test” could have saved him.
His mum, Beth, who was named a regional winner at this year’s Pride of Britain Awards, said the superb fundraising efforts have given her strength.
“We wanted to get to £20,000 by Peter’s birthday on December 10 – and we have completely smashed that,” said Beth, from Whitchurch, Cardiff.
“Everyone’s support has been beyond words. It’s heart-warming that people care so much.
“The loss of our son was awful and heart-breaking, but at least something good has come out of this.
“People are still doing great work. It’s a real testament to who he was.”
Following Peter’s death Beth called for greater awareness of the symptoms and treatments for her son’s Type 1 diabetes.
Unlike Type 2, Type 1 is not affected by lifestyle measures such as a healthy diet, weight control, and exercise.
“People associate diabetes with eating a lot of sweets or not exercising, but none of that is a factor in Type 1,” said Beth.
“I almost wish it was called something else.
“You can be really slim, fit, and super-healthy and still have it.
“There is a lack of education, espe- cially in regards to GPs. I want to get them on board with automatic testing as so many people go undiagnosed.”
Beth, who dialled 999 when Peter took a dramatic turn for the worse, said her son was only diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when a paramedic tested his blood glucose levels.
“His levels were though the roof,” added Beth.
“The paramedic took a quick finger prick and they knew almost instantly what was wrong with him.
“It was such a simple, inexpensive test.”
Earlier this year Peter’s family launched an appeal on donation website JustGiving in a bid to raise money for research and awareness charity Diabetes UK.
And after a raft of donations, along with several successful charity fundraisers including a climb up Snowdon, their total has reached £37,238.
One of the most prolific fundraisers was Corrine Jones, a close friend of Beth’s, who decided to run 13 halfmarathons to mark each year of Peter’s life.
Corrine, who was affectionately known to Peter as “the crazy cat lady”, has travelled across the UK since February to take part in the runs – clocking up an impressive 176.1 miles in the process.
Reflecting on Peter’s sudden death, Corrine said: “It’s like a nightmare we still haven’t woken up from. It doesn’t seem real at all.
“Peter was always quite cheeky, but very intelligent, switched-on and had this wicked sense of humour.”
Corrine said the most poignant and emotionally draining of her 13 runs was the Cardiff Half Marathon – which Peter watched her take part in 12 months earlier.
She said: “I ran with Peter’s dad in 2014, and one of my main memories of the day was Peter being there right the way around.
“So when I did it this year all I could do was picture Peter. I just couldn’t believe he wasn’t with us anymore.”
Pencoed resident Corrine, who has raised more than £1,000 in her own right for Diabetes UK, said running seemed like the most positive way of helping best mate Beth.
“She’s such a spirited and positive person, and I know Beth will never quite be the same after what she’s been through.”
More than 177,000 people are currently diagnosed with diabetes in Wales, according to latest NHS data.
Diabetes UK says there will be an estimated 288,000 people in Wales with the condition by 2025 should the sharp rise in cases continue.
The charity says a lack of education on managing the condition had led to “devastating” health complications including amputations, blindness and strokes.
It is calling on NHS Wales and local health boards to ensure people living with diabetes are provided with education and support to manage their condition effectively.
To donate to the family’s fundraising efforts visit justgiving.com/ remember/160222/Peter-Baldwin