FUNDRAISING has become a family affair for a Bordon mother as a double diagnosis is pushing her to new heights.

Kathrine Wallis has become an enthusiastic fundraiser for Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation ever since her husband and son were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Her most recent challenge was an abseil down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth while she’s also completed a skydive to raise funds for the DRWF.

The story began six years ago when John Wallis, then 50, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is usually influenced by lifestyle as increased weight can result in lower levels of insulin production.

But their 10 year old son Jonty was then diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, with John’s category also being changed following a visit to a GP as Kathrine recognised the symptoms.

She said: “I had been looking after John’s diabetes through diet, however this change in diagnosis was quite a shock.

“John and Jonty really support each other in their diabetes journey, especially as they both use the latest continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology to help their control.”

This experience encouraged Kathrine to become a fundraiser for the DRWF, which supports people living with the condition until research produces a breakthrough in treatment.

If you would like to follow in Kathrine’s footsteps email Community Fundraiser Karen Scott at [email protected]