The family of a schoolgirl who did not know she had type 1 diabetes have paid tribute to their “bright” daughter.
Maddy-Leigh Harbinso, 11, passed away at the Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital on Monday 18 February.
Mourners gathered at St Anthony’s Church in Craigavon on Thursday to bid farewell to Maddy-Leigh, who died from undiagnosed type 1 diabetes.
In a statement, her family said: “It is with profound sadness that Sabrina and Colin Harbinson mourn the sudden loss of their daughter, Maddy-Leigh, aged 11.
“She was a bright, pleasant girl who enjoyed baking, drama and attended FADD for dancing along with singing coaching.
“She was extremely loved and will be greatly missed, such was the bond as a daughter, granddaughter, goddaughter, cousin and niece.”
Maddy-Leigh attended Lismore Comprehensive School and her headteacher, Fiona Kane, described her as a “quiet and hard-working student who made a tremendous contribution to the life and work of Lismore in such a short period of time”.
It is rare for people to pass away from undiagnosed type 1 diabetes, but it is possible when someone’s blood glucose levels become too high and symptoms are not noticed in time. The more people that are aware of the 4Ts of type 1 diabetes, the better the chance to prevent such a sad loss of life.
Significantly, symptoms can develop quickly, so it is recommended parents and care givers watch for signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can include extreme thirst, bed wetting, fatigue and blurred vision.
Picture: The Irish News
