Why local company owner, James, is passionate about supporting our charity

We are incredibly grateful for the support which we receive from our corporate supporters across Derby, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Each one of these local businesses all have something in common – they all have workforces that will all rely on the NHS for their health and wellbeing, at some point in their life. Working closely with these local businesses enables us to show the impact that their support provides to patients and staff being cared for, or working in our hospitals.

Here, we heard from one company owner, James, who tells us why he chose us as his company's chosen charity.

Just over four years ago, someone very close to me was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Overnight, our family’s view of life changed

There were no warning signs, no ‘get your head around this period’, just an entirely new way of living that demanded constant attention and a steep learning curve.

I’ve watched them count every carb, monitor blood sugar around the clock and carry supplies everywhere they go. It’s not just about managing a health condition; it’s about managing life with unwavering discipline and courage.

Type 1 diabetes doesn’t take a day off, there is no choice here, there is no respite…

But I have seen first-hand that the people who live with it can flourish, it’s not easy, but it can develop a strength that I appreciate, but could not muster myself.