Mum helping raise funds for paediatric diabetes care team

A mum with a passion for painting is helping raise funds for the care of children with type 1 diabetes through the sale of her artwork.
Beverley Smith, from Middlesbrough, is giving all the proceeds from her debut solo art exhibition to the children’s diabetes team at James Cook University Hospital, who for the past 12 years have helped support her type 1 diabetic daughter Bryony.
“Bryony’s 15 this year but I can still remember the day and date that she was diagnosed with diabetes – it becomes part of your life,” she said.
“The nurses have not only given Bryony support but the family as well by holding education sessions and bringing families together. I found I wasn’t on my ow, particularly in the early years when she was first diagnosed and didn’t want her injections.”
To show her appreciation for the team’s “fantastic support” over the years, Beverley is donating all the money raised from any of the 50 Celtic-inspired exhibition pieces she sells to the hospital’s paediatric diabetes unit, which provides specialist diabetes care to more than 180 infants, children and teenagers.
“They’re such a good team and do an awful lot for the kids, including taking them away on trips. Hopefully any money I raise will help them to continue,” the mum-of-two added.
Children’s diabetes nurse Kelly Rowe said: “Type 1 diabetes is a life-threatening life-long condition where children and young people are dependent on insulin injections. It’s no one’s fault, it’s just bad luck. We’re so grateful to Bev for supporting us in this way.”
Beverley Smith’s Celtic art exhibitio, which includes paintings and pattern-work, runs until April 1 at the Kirkleatham Hall Museum in Redcar.