Young Olivia takes diabetes case to Parliament

Olivia’s father Darren Fisher with Olivia and Paul Rowen MP promoting their cause in Parliament.

Five year old Olivia Fisher travelled to Parliament last week with her dad Darren in order to lobby the Government to improve support for children and young people with diabetes.

She attended an event organised by Diabetes UK to raise awareness of the dangers faced by children and young people with Diabetes, often because of the lack of knowledge of teachers and carers.

Helen Pattie, regional manager for Diabetes UK North West, said: "For every child with diabetes who doesn’t receive appropriate support at school, a whole family suffers. We already know that the health and well-being of 83 per cent of children with diabetes is in jeopardy because they are not achieving recommended blood glucose levels, and we must do everything we can to help them.

"Schools have a vital role to play in changing this frightening statistic – and with an estimated 2,000 children being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes every year in the UK, action must be taken now."

Olivia arranged a personal meeting with her MP, Paul Rowen to convince him to support the introduction of a Diabetes Care Plan across all schools.

Paul Rowen MP said: “Olivia is a very brave little girl and she really made an impression on me. I listened carefully to what her and her father Darren had to say and they have my full support. As a result of the visit, I will be seeking a meeting with local education bosses to discuss our Council’s approach.

"Schools have an important role to play in helping children with diabetes. We heard at the event that although some pupils with diabetes receive excellent support to manage their condition at school, others are not so lucky – I will be seeking assurances that here in Rochdale we are doing everything we can to help.

“I received a wonderful illustrated letter from Olivia, speaking about how diabetes affects her life. I would point out that Mr Fisher had nothing but praise for the treatment his daughter receives at her school St Vincent De Paul RC Primary and the visit was to ensure that all schools provided the excellent care his daughter receives.”