DIABETES champion Phoebe Maddison will soon need a larger mantelpiece after she received another award for her innovative films from charity Diabetes UK.

Pheobe Maddison from north Swindon was presented with the Young Person’s Outstanding Contribution award in recognition of her videos which talk about what life is like for a young person with Type 1 diabetes.

People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin and no one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. Starting in childhood or young adulthood, and getting worse quickly, Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses - taken either by injections or via an insulin pump. It is also recommended to follow a healthy diet and take regular physical activity.

Earlier this year the 12-year-old Phoebe was the toast of the town having been named as one of the winners of the Pride of Swindon Awards for her work to combat the stigma surrounding the condition.

Following her latest award Phoebe said: “I’m so happy, it was absolutely amazing to win the Inspire award. I’m really grateful to everyone who has supported me. All I am doing is the best I can to educate other people about Type 1 diabetes.”

Phaedra Perry, regional head of the South West at Diabetes UK, said: “Phoebe shows immense talent and skill in describing living with Type 1, and shows other young people with Type 1 that they are not on their own. Her video highlights the myths around diabetes and it educates and inspires others.

“Through our Inspire Awards we thank our hard working volunteers, like Phoebe for their contributions and highlight the positive difference their work has made to the lives of people who are living with diabetes.

“There are more than 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes, and our dedicated volunteers help them to manage their condition, campaign to improve the quality of care available to them, fundraise for pioneering research and work to stem the rising tide of diabetes. Our volunteers are out there working hard in the community day in and day out.

“Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without their incredible support and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our volunteers who make an enormous difference through their support.”