An eight-year-old boy from Portinscale has walked 100 miles to raise money for a leading Type 1 diabetes research charity after being diagnosed with the condition two years ago.
Finley Harrison-Holden was taken to see his GP in May 2019 when his mother, Helen Harrison, noticed he had been drinking more than normal and going to the toilet frequently.
He was just six years old when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes — a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
This causes increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, sudden weight loss and weakness. It is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, but it can develop at any age.
“We have learned to manage it but you never stop worrying,” said Helen.
“When you have somebody with a life-threatening condition you can never completely switch off.
“His day can be going completely normally and then his levels can change quite quickly.”
People with Type 1 diabetes have to inject insulin, test blood glucose levels and monitor their diet.
Inspired by the efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) charity, which funds research to treat, prevent and cure Type 1 diabetes, Finley decided he wanted to do something to help.
Finlay’s 100-mile challenge
He decided to take on the JDRF One Walk challenge, which involved walking 100 miles to celebrate a century since the development of insulin.
Insulin is a hormone which helps to regulate blood sugar levels in the body, and those with Type 1 diabetes do not produce enough of it for the body to function effectively.
When Finley embarked on the challenge, he set himself the target of raising £100 but he has now raised more than £1,400, becoming the highest individual fundraiser for JDRF in the north of England.
“One day I want to say I used to have Type 1 diabetes,” said Finley.
“It is quite big,” he added, explaining the impact of the condition on his life.
“It is really hard. I’ve always got to check my blood glucose, but it doesn’t stop me.
“I do karate, gymnastics, it doesn’t stop me.”
Finley has had great support from his school and said: “Pretty much the whole school knows about it. Everybody was clapping me (the other day). I felt like a celebrity!”
Finley’s other mother, Karen Holden, is also immensely proud.
“He is so resilient and determined and he doesn’t let it (diabetes) stop him from doing anything,” said Karen. “We are immensely proud of him.”
The seriousness of the condition really hit home when Finley was rushed to hospital in May 2019.
“It was not far from a coma or intensive care,” said Karen.
“The doctor knew what it was straight away and put him on a drip for 24 hours and then he was feeling better. His life changed forever that day.”
Beginning his challenge on May 2, he finished on June 19.
Finley completed his first walk around Ennerdale Water and his last walk was at Castlerigg Stone Circle.
He took in Portinscale, Braithwaite, Grange, Derwentwater, Keswick, Threlkeld, Allonby, Bassenthwaite, St John’s in the Vale and Ullswater.
To donate to Finley’s fund, go to https://jdrf1.enthuse.com/pf/finley-harrison-holden
