Jersey boy features in type 1 diabetes campaign

Danny was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 18 months old

A Jersey child is starring in a national campaign to highlight the experience of young people with type 1 diabetes.

Danny, 12, was diagnosed with the condition, which is when the pancreas makes little or no insulin, when he was 18 months old.

The Blue Balloon Challenge is seeing young people hold a balloon to "make the visible visible" - intending to show what it is like to monitor glucose levels.

As part of the campaign, Danny spoke to UK politicians in Westminster in November about what it was like to live with the condition.

His mother Sonia said they wanted to raise awareness and prevent stigma among other young people, but that the condition had caused "really hard times".

She said: "It's not the easiest to be told by a doctor your child has to be injected five times a day going forward for the rest of his life.

"[It was] quite hard to take in, but we've managed."

Sonia said she and her son now monitored his diabetes with a pump, which released insulin "based on what amount his body needs".

Danny said he was happy to be part of the campaign to "help spread the word".

"I’m happy I can help tackle the stigma head on," he said.