Welsh mum scoops major award for diabetes charity fundraising

A woman from Wales has received a major award for raising more than £70,000 for a diabetes charity.
Beth Baldwin (second left), from Cardiff, has been named the UK’s Best Volunteer Fundraiser at the Institute of Fundraising’s National Fundraising Awards in London.
Mrs Baldwin raised the money in memory of her son Peter who passed away aged 13 from undiagnosed type 1 diabetes.
In Wales it is thought there are around 1,400 children and young people in Wales who have type 1 diabetes. Sadly, one in four are not diagnosed until they get seriously ill.
Since 2015, Mrs Baldwin and her family have campaigned heavily for Diabetes UK Cymru to raise awareness of the condition.
She said: “Winning this award was a great surprise and a huge honour. This is Peter’s legacy and I know he would be so proud of what we have achieved so far.
“It is very much a team effort and we are lucky to have the support of our brilliant friends and families. Knowing that we are making a difference to other families is what motivates us to keep raising awareness.”
This is not the first time Mrs Baldwin has been recognised for her charity efforts as she was also named the Wales Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2015.
“Losing a child is something that no family should have to go through. It’s our mission to make sure that everyone has the 4Ts of type 1 diabetes at the front of their minds,” she said.
“Being able to recognise the symptoms, get a quick diagnosis, and early treatment could save a child’s life. It’s all about helping as many other families as we can.”
Diabetes UK Cymru’s Dai Williams paid tribute to her Beth and her family calling them “truly inspirational”.
He added: “We are honoured to work with them to create a lasting legacy for Peter. We are proud and delighted that their incredible efforts have been recognised on a UK scale.
“Thanks to their tireless work they have raised vital funds and awareness of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, meaning children across Wales are being diagnosed sooner, and more safely, before they become seriously ill.”
Picture: Wales247