Who we are

Pat Mooney - Chair

Hello everyone, I'm Pat Mooney and have been a Type 1 diabetic for 45 years and am fully aware of the difficulties, physical and social, that living with a lifelong condition brings. I've had my ups and downs and experienced a lot of the benefits brought about by developments in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, a number of which have been the focus of and gained from the support of local groups like us and the Diabetes UK charity (no more boiling syringes and needles and using a schoolboy chemistry set to check sugar levels!!)

This is one reason why I joined the Cheltenham group so everyone associated with the condition can get together and share experiences and ideas and help to make living with it easier and hopefully have a bit of fun along the way.

Kate Shepherd - Secretary

Diabetes quickly became part of my life when, at the age of 8, my son Jack was diagnosed with Type 1. This happened in November 2010 and so we are still relatively new to all things diabetes related.

It was a frightening time for all of us and whilst the specialist team at the hospital were fantastic, we would have really benefitted from being able to talk to people in the same situation. So, when the Cheltenham Support group was suggested, I jumped at the chance to become involved. To have a group of people who can share ideas and experiences and have a bit of fun will be invaluable to me and will hopefully prove to Jack that his life does not have to change - that he is not alone and that he can do anything that he puts his mind to.

Come and join us - I look forward to meeting you all!!

Jane Scott - Treasurer

I became aware of Diabetes UK in 2009 when my younger daughter was diagnosed, age 7, with Type 1 diabetes. With very little experience of diabetes, or anything remotely medical, I found Diabetes UK a useful source of information both via its website and Balance magazine. I also attended an extremely well organised Family Support Weekend which allowed my daughter the opportunity to meet other children in the same position as herself.

My wish is for my daughter to grow-up realising she is not alone and is able to tackle anything she may want to do with confidence. My motivation for becoming involved with the new Cheltenham based Voluntary Support Group is to meet and share experiences with local people. I look forward to seeing you.

Ian Tucker - Membership Secretary

My name is Ian Tucker, married to Val some forty years ago. We have two daughters, Sharon and Paula, both of whom work for the RSPB at their Central England office.

I retired from full time employment approximately 4 years ago, having spent a lifetime working in mechanical engineering. I am active with the local community supporting care for the disabled. This comes to a great extent as the result of Val suffering a stroke some thirty years ago and so I have been very active with Carers Gloucestershire for many years. I enjoy playing bowls in the summer months and every day I walk our two Labradors in the Prestbury area. I have Type 2 diabetes which was diagnosed about twelve years ago and I rely on both insulin and tablets.