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Search forGirls lobby MPs for better support of diabetic pupils
Friday, November 21, 2008, 08:01
Phoebe Faulkner, aged eight, from Elkstone, near Warslow, and Mischa Balderstone, aged 11, of Flash, both have the condition.
Phoebe was diagnosed with Type One diabetes two years ago and Mischa when she was three-years-old.
The schoolgirls joined 200 other youngsters from across the country to raise awareness of the inequalities of support during school hours at an event organised by Diabetes UK.
Mischa, who is a pupil at Churnet View Middle School, travelled with her mother Wanda, while Phoebe, a pupil at Manifold School in Warslow, was accompanied by her dad, Simon.
Both girls and their parents say they receive excellent support at their schools but decided to join the rally to help other pupils.
Mr Faulkner said: "We went with Diabetes UK to ask for extra care. We know the need for support and help children suffering from diabetes require.
"We have, however, had excellent support from Manifold School in Warslow.
"All the staff and pupils look after her. We have had positive experiences at the school including supervision of blood glucose monitoring, being able to have snacks in class and also Phoebe has been made to feel no different to other pupils.
"She was diagnosed with Type One diabetes when she was six-years-old.
"Thanks to the school, who have been determined to make her feel just like any other pupil, and the superb service provided by the local diabetic nurses team, there has been very little impact on family life.
"Phoebe is able to enjoy all the activities that her brothers and sister do."
Phoebe said that staff at the school were very good and looked after her.
She added: "The diabetes nurses have also helped me and looked after me very well."
Mischa said: "I have received brilliant support from my former school at Flash and also at Churnet View.
"Flash School had never had anyone suffering from diabetes before but they were brilliant with me and very supportive.
"Churnet View have been just the same.
"They support me in a number of ways including supervision of blood glucose monitoring and they let me snack in class as needed.
"Diabetes has become a family obsession involving my parents and all members of my family who love to help."
Mischa's mother Wanda, said: "Mischa has an insulation pump on her. The staff know if anything is wrong and they are brilliant with her."
In support of Phoebe, pupils at Manifold School have raised £648.82 for Diabetes UK by holding cake stalls, a crazy hair day, toy sale, a recycle monster competition and a sponsored bounce.
Headteacher Margaret Cruxton said: "As a school we are here to support and help our children."
The cheque from the school was received on behalf of Diabetes UK by David Scott, secretary of the North Staffordshire Voluntary Group and Sharon Sutton, educational liaison officer, who both suffer from diabetes.
Sharon said: "Manifold is an example of a very good school but Phoebe is going to London to support others in highlighting the poor understanding some schools have."
Pupils from Manifold school present David Scott of Diabetes UK with a cheque. Diabetes sufferers Mischa Balderstone, below, and Phoebe Faulkner, bottom, have travelled to London to lobby MPs.
Pictures by Jon Bartholomew
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