Diabetes UK Brighton Voluntary Group Launch Meeting

The Brighton Voluntary Group launch went off with a bang on Thursday 22nd March 2007, as existing Committee Members Diane Knight and Kathy Doughty, Secretary and Treasurer Ian Scott and Chairman Alex Hawkey welcomed representatives from Diabetes UK, Roche and Desang to join them and an amazing 87 others to celebrate the occasion. The group would like to thank everyone at The New Madeira Hotel for their kind hospitality and generosity.

(l-r) Committee Member Diane Knight, Secretary and
Treasurer Ian Scott and Committee Member Kathy Doughty

Jill Steaton, Regional Manager from Diabetes UK's South East Offices, spoke about the importance of voluntary groups in making a difference to local diabetes services, as well as fundraising and creating awareness, whilst Natasha Marsland, Diabetes UK Care Manager, kindly travelled down from London to give a talk on diabetes and heart disease.

(l-r) Diabetes UK's Lucy Peacock, Group Chairman Alex Hawkey,
Diabetes UK's Jill Steaton and Group Secretary and Treasurer Ian Scott

Next up, Alex Hawkey spoke about group plans for the future, including electing a committee who have the time, energy and passion to make the group a continual success, various fundraising opportunities (including the sponsored Walk in the Park in May and Sky-Diving for the real thrill-seekers out there!) as well as the group's keenness to support both young and older people with diabetes.Use the navigation bar to the left to work your way around the site and also be sure to visit Diabetes UK's site for up-to-date information on Diabetes in the UK.

(l-r) Group Chairman Alex Hawkey speaking,
with Group Secretary and Treasurer Ian Scott

The reception to the launch was phenomenal, with many people expressing an interest in playing an active role in the group. These included serving on the committee, generating fundraising ideas, offering space and equipment for use should we need it and generating a strong network between us and other voluntary groups. We would like to thank everyone who attended the launch and made it a success and also those that helped with promotion for the event. We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday 1st May for the follow-up!