DIABETES – your chance to find out more - Saturday, 28^th April 9:30am – 4:00pm - Chertsey

Last year’s ‘Living with Diabetes Day’ organised by The Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal and  Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust, was a day of information and inspiration for those with diabetes, their carers, parents, partners and friends.   The 2007 event, taking place on Saturday 28^th April at Sir William Perkins’s School in Chertsey (where Stephanie was a student), is on target to deliver an even fuller programme of talks, demonstrations and exhibitions addressing all aspects of diabetes care.   The keynote speaker is Professor Simon Howell, Chair, Board of Trustees, Diabetes UK and the full programme is now available.   Places are limited and booking in advance is highly recommended – visit www.stephaniemarks.org.uk or ring 01932-722330.

Diabetes is a complex, progressive condition that affects people of all ages. It occurs when the body can no longer produce insulin, or produces insufficient insulin to breakdown the glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. Diabetes is a series condition that left undetected can lead to serious long-term health problems such as visual impairment/blindness, renal failure, damage to nerves particularly in the lower limbs and can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.  If you have diabetes, know someone with diabetes, have a family history of the condition, or simply want to know more, then this is a day for you.

Professor Howell, who is also Research Dean at King’s College London, will speak about better research for better health whilst local Diabetelogist and Medical Director at Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals, Dr Mike Baxter will speak about how diabetes affects patients.   Other contributors include a children’s diabetes nurse, podiatrist, pharmacist, ophthalmologist, dietician and an executive chef.   This is an opportunity for local people to speak to the experts to find out first hand about Diabetes, how it is affecting an increasing number of people and what more can be done.

The event is sponsored by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and the Royal Bank of Scotland.   There will be a number of exhibitors including Bayer Healthcare, Crystal Café, Desans Ltd, Diabetes UK, Forever Products, Splenda, Medtronic, Usborne Books, Pheonix Cards, Anne Marie Borlino and Woking Lions.

Whilst children are welcome to attend the talks and demonstration, there will be a kids club on-site for children aged 5-12, allowing parents, carers and grandparents the opportunity to listen and talk to the exhibitors. Adults £6, Concessions £4, Kids Club £5.  A fabulous selection of hot and cold lunches will be available £3.50 – or attendees may bring their own packed lunch. Visit www.stephaniemarks.org.uk today for further information and to download a booking form, or simply call The Stephanie Marks Appeal on 01932 722330.