TWO years ago, eight-year-old Nicole Rowe almost died from undiagnosed diabetes.

Now her family are on a Christmas-led mission to raise more awareness of Type 1 diabetes in children to prevent another family having to go through the same situation.

Nicole, now ten, was taken to the GP when she became unwell and doctors put it down to a viral infection.

Two days later, she collapsed and was rushed to hospital where it was discovered her kidneys were failing.

Thankfully, she got to hospital in time and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Now to give her a lift, Nicole’s aunt Amy Hodgson, 24, who lives in Eastwood, has elaborately decorated the outside of her house.

She is determined to raise money and awareness over the festive period and feels this special time of year is the right time to make a difference.

Amy said: “It was a horrible time for the whole family.

“It was awful seeing Amy like that.

“That is why we are doing are fundraising now.

“Often people don’t understand the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and just think it is because you are fat, but that is not the case.

“We didn’t know the signs of childhood diabetes but we want to make sure that other parents do.”

Unlike Type 2 diabetes which is linked to obesity, Type 1 is caused by the body’s immune system attacking itself.

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include feeling very thirsty, passing urine more often than usual, particularly at night, feeling very tired and loss of weight and muscle bulk.

The condition can quickly become life threatening if not treated properly in good time and symptoms can develop in children.

Amy and her family hope that through their special set of decorations they can make sure another child gets diagnosed before it is too late.

Amy said: “We have inflatable reindeer, snowman and a Christmas tree. There are also lights on the house. “It took us about half a day to decorate the house. “We aren’t asking for a lot, just a small donation off those who see the lights.”

The money raised will go towards JDRF, which is researching to find a cure to Type 1 diabetes. There are collection tins outside the house, at 2 The Bentleys, Eastwood, or donate online at justgiving.com/fundraising/Amy-Hodgson8

  • The Echo today launches its Caring at Christmas campaign, dedicated to celebrating the unsung heroes among us who operate so selflessly within our communities.

If you know someone who is making a difference this Christmas, share their story with our reporter Kirsty Hough, email kirsty.hough@nqe.com or call 01268 469409.