After lots of visits to the GP, Emmie was referred to Leeds Children’s Hospital for tests, where doctors told her mum Vicky she had dangerously high blood glucose levels.

Emmie was admitted to hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, and so Vicky had to isolate with her away from her husband and other children, she said: “Only one parent was allowed to stay at their child’s bedside, it was a very lonely time. I was on my own with Emmie and trying to learn how to keep my little girl alive.”

Once restrictions lifted, Emmie was able to get involved in initiatives led by the paediatric diabetes team at the hospital, supported by funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity. Emmie visits the hospital clinic four times a year, and the team try their best to make the experience as fun as possible for young patients like her.

Vicky took Emmie to the Teddy Bear Clinic where she was able to meet other children with diabetes and gain a better understanding of her condition through play, she told us: “I’ve seen a huge difference in Emmie’s confidence and knowledge of her condition since we started attending events like the Teddy Bear Clinic. Emmie has been able to make friends, and I’ve also benefitted from peer support by meeting other parents. The team really go above and beyond to help children living with diabetes be able to live a normal, happy and healthy childhood.”

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