World Diabetes Day, 14th November 2007 is the Year of the Child

The Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal is hosting Max Clifford: “Cash for Questions” event at Foxhills on Wednesday, 14th November to celebrate the first United Nations observed World Diabetes Day. On December 20 2006, the General Assembly of the United Nations passed a landmark Resolution recognising diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease. The theme of this year's World Diabetes Day campaign is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents.  More information can be found at    www.worlddiabetesday.org

Diabetes in Children and Adolescents

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. It can strike children at any age, including pre-school children and even toddlers. Yet diabetes in children is often diagnosed late, or it is misdiagnosed completely.

Today, more than 240 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. Within 20 years, this number is expected to grow to 380 million. Children are not spared from this global epidemic, with its debilitating and life-threatening complications. Type 1 diabetes is growing by 3% per year in children and adolescents, and at an alarming 5% per year among pre-school children. It is estimated that 70,000 children under 15 develop type 1 diabetes each year (almost 200 children a day). Type 2 diabeteswas once seen as a disease of adults. Today, this type of diabetes is growing at alarming rates in children and adolescents.

Diabetes is different for children

Diabetes has a unique impact on children and their families. The daily life of children is disrupted by the need to monitor blood glucose levels, take medication, and balance the effect of activity and food. Diabetes can interfere with the normal developmental tasks of childhood and adolescence, which include succeeding in school and transitioning to adulthood.  The Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal is raising money to create a state-of-the-art diabetes resource centre.  This cutting edge facility, which will be located at the entrance to St. Peter’s Hospital, will help the child and family cope and ensure the best possible physical and emotional health of the child.

In line with the goals of the Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal, the International Diabetes Federation campaign aims to raise awareness of the rising prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. Early diagnosis and early education are crucial to reducing complications and saving lives. The healthcare community, educators, parents and guardians must join forces to help children living with diabetes, prevent the condition in those at risk, and avoid unnecessary death and disability.

Weybridge Male Voice Choir sings for Stephanie

The Weybridge Male Voice Choir will be singing in aid of the Stephanie Marks Appeal between 7.30 pm – 10 pm on Saturday, 1st December at Cleves School, Weybridge. The Choir enjoys a national & international reputation.  Join them as they perform a varied programme of popular opera choruses, traditional songs, ballads and choral arrangements of songs from popular musical shows, all performed in the spine-tingling four-part harmony unique to traditional male voice choral singing. The evening costs £7.50 including a glass of wine and light refreshments.  Tickets are available from  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or telephone 01932 72330 or visit www.stephaniemarks.org.uk

Over the last 4 years the contributions of industry, charities, bequests and community projects have raised almost £600,000.  A further £150,000 is needed to bring the Appeal to a successful conclusion and achieve our goal of improving the quality of diabetes care for patients living in Surrey and West Middlesex! Please help – make your cheque payable to The Stephanie Marks Appeal and send it to The Fundraising Office, The Studio (SDU), St. Peter’s Hospital, Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey,KT16 0PZ.  Alternatively, visit our website www.stephaniemarks.org.uk to donate securely on-line using all major debit & credit cards.