FOR SOME families when being handed the devastating news that a child has an incurable disease just knowing a charity is there for them or doing all they can in terms of research and support is enough for them.
However one Hall Green family they have decided 2017 will be the year they will do everything they can turn the negative into a positive and raise as much as they possibly can for a children’s diabetes charity so it can carry out research and support families when they need it.
Charlie Partridge was just one when he was diagnosed with Type One diabetes.
Now he is six Charlie along with family, friends, sports clubs and schools, will be turning their hands to everything possible to raise £5,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
The year of fundraising started with a tea party in December and the family visited Aintree Racecourse where Charlie met his jockey idol A P McCoy.
Since the launch of what the family have dubbed ‘Charlie’s Challenges’ the Partridge family have raised more than £1,500 through a Type onsie-day at Mary Vale School, where pupils went to school in a onsie, and two events at family members work places.
But there’s a lots more Challenges on the cards for the family including hosting a Motown evening, a golf tournament and a sky dive event in July and the year will end with a black tie event in December.
Charlie and his seven-year-old brother Callum will be helping with the fundraising efforts and gathering a team to take part in a obstacle course in the summer.
Speaking to The Observer mum Kate said she and husband Matthew have always thought of doing a year of fundraising for JDRF when Charlie was old enough to understand the reasons behind the fundraising.
She added: “It was decided this year would be the year to fundraise as Charlie has started to question his diabetes.
“We want to turn what could be a negative time for him into a positive.
“We also want to raise awareness of diabetes, the different types, the devastating effects it can have and what to do if someone is suspected of being in a hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia (ether low blood sugar levels or high blood sugar levels).
“We have lots planned but want other ideas too and we’d like to do something with Aston Villa Football Club as that’s Charlie’s team.”
But the family are also calling on Silhillians to join them in the fundraising efforts too.
Kate said: “We want people to set themselves a challenge and work with us to do it in Charlie’s name, whether it’s cycling, a sponsored silence or even a coffee morning nothing is too small.
“People can also opt to take part in an event we already have planned for instance if anyone want to enter a team into the golf tournament or join us on the sky dive.”
For more or to find out how get involved with Charlie’s Challenges email Kate on [email protected] or call 07712412066.
