The cure would mean a world without type 1 diabetes for future generations. It would be the most amazing gift JDRF could deliver to the 400,000 people living with type 1 in the UK. I am dedicated to finding the cure.
I knew more about the molecules involved in type 1 than its day-to-day impact when I joined JDRF. That quickly changed (although I still know quite a lot about molecules), and the cure would mean more to me than any other scientific advance could. I use a scooter to get to work!
To me the cure for type 1 diabetes would mean among other things that nobody would have to endure the shock of such a life-altering diagnosis. I’ve had 25 years experience in the voluntary sector, with a particular interest in charities growing rapidly, and planning for and sustaining that growth.
I'm inspired by the advances in medical research, but know that there is much more to do to prevent, cure and treat type 1 diabetes. In particular I am interested in improving people's access to research and treatments. Outside of work my family and friends are the most important aspect of my life.
A cure would mean so much for those I know living with the condition and I'm inspired every day by the great work that JDRF does to try and make that a reality and am proud to play a small part in that. I love this job, I'm obsessed by maintaining our positive culture and making this a great place to work, where people feel they can make a real difference. I'm lucky enough to benefit from JDRF's great flexible working policy so my spare time is spent, in no particular order, looking after my daughter, my dog and shopping in M&S!
Finding a cure for type 1 diabetes will transform so many lives, now and for generations to come, which as a fundraiser is hugely inspirational. I worked for a medical devices company before joining the charity sector (many years ago), where I met a lot of children and adults with type 1. I saw how the tools available to manage their diabetes were advancing, but it was still a real burden and remains so today; a cure would change the game completely, freeing millions of people around the world from that burden. When I'm not thinking about our supporters and how we can raise more money together, I'm usually chasing a toddler around the house or attempting to read on the train.
A good friend at school had type 1 plus JDRF colleagues and supporters. Finding the cure would be great to know that we've helped make people's lives better and enabled researchers to carry out some amazing work. I love a good cookery programme and am planning to do an advanced driving course.
I was diagnosed with type 1 when I was 10 years old. A cure would completely change my life and many others, it would put to an end to the daily worries that a person with type 1 goes through. I am an avid Arsenal fan and have played on the Emirates pitch.
I was diagnosed with type 1 when I was 19 years old. The cure would completely change the life for so many people affected, freeing us from the constant planning and worry. I'm an Instagram-addict and I've previously skydived for charity... I'm not sure whether I liked it or not!
I feel passionately about helping JDRF to find the cure, it would mean an end to all the injections, finger prick tests and hospital appointments and no one else would have to go through the daily worry that having type 1 brings. I once performed in a play at Edinburgh Festival.
My uncle had type 1 but was initially misdiagnosed. The frustration of people not understanding the differences between type 1 and 2 had a big impact on my family. I’m proud to work to find a cure. Away from work I spend my time trying to keep my hair extra soft and playing football.
Being diagnosed with type 1 at the age of 4, there is little about my life that hasn't involved diabetes. Growing up in schools where my brother and I were the only students with type 1 it fell to us to do much of the educating; that is why being part of team that not only educates and supports those affected by the condition but works to find a cure is incredible! Outside the office I am an avid reader, TV watcher and gig go-er.
I have had type 1 for over 50 years. Getting an insulin pump in 2002 made a huge difference to my life, and I've been passionate about helping people access diabetes technology since then. I joined JDRF when we merged with INPUT - the diabetes technology access charity where I was Chief Executive. It's great to be part of such a dynamic and hope-filled organisation. In my spare time I aspire to be a minimalist but you'd never guess!
My partner was diagnosed nearly 10 years ago with type 1 and a cure would mean everything to us. I can’t wait for the day when everyone living with type 1 can throw away their insulin pumps/pens and forget about carb counting and never look back! I’m a qualified gymnastics coaching assistant.
As the mother of a son with type 1 diabetes, I am inspired by all the amazing research which has brought us closer to a world without type 1 and by the progress in technology which does so much to help people living with the condition. I am proud to be part of an organisation which plays a major role in the search for a cure and to be able to make a contribution to something that would mean so much to our family and thousands of others throughout the world.
Having been a volunteer for five years I understand and respect what JDRF are doing to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. I feel very lucky to have two beautiful daughters who do not have type 1. This is my chance to help others less fortunate.
Whilst I do not have a personal connection to type 1, working at JDRF has shown me the impact of the condition on those living with type 1 as well as their families. I have met so many passionate and dedicated supporters who inspire me to do my job. I am proud to work for an organisation that is funding such incredible research with the aim to find the cure.
Following the diagnosis of my twins Amelie and Albie with type 1, I have been passionate about fundraising and finding a cure. They are so happy I am now working for JDRF as they think I will be the one finding the cure! I have recently taken up triathlons, and love a challenge.
JDRF is a wonderful charity to work for, and I feel privileged to be a part of a fantastic team that are working tirelessly to find a cure. It would mean changing the lives of so many people and I want to help in any way by raising money through the running events I manage.
I am delighted to be at JDRF and am inspired by the amazing work that JDRF does and the extraordinary life changing research we fund. I am very lucky to be able to work with our supporters around fundraising and find out about the ways JDRF makes a difference to those living with type 1. I am a slow but enthusiastic runner and swim outdoors on Hampstead Heath most days, whatever the weather and water temperature.
It is very motivating to work with the corporate sector and explore how JDRF can partner with companies in a way that benefits both sides. We have some great partnerships that are helping to raise vital funds for JDRF in our fight towards a world without type 1. I am pug mad and love walking my two black pug dogs.
I’ve seen first-hand the impact type 1 diabetes can have and I know the best way to help is through research. It’s great to be part of the JDRF team, working together to find the cure that will change so many lives.
Playing a part in improving treatments and finding a cure for those living with type 1 diabetes is a huge motivation. I am delighted to join the JDRF team, and to work with passionate researchers and supporters to achieve this goal. I am also a keen traveller, photographer and cinema goer.
I am inspired to help find the cure for type 1 diabetes by the great breakthroughs of medical history - such as the discovery of insulin. I'm a former journalist, a Twitter addict and a long-suffering Cambridge United FC fan.
It's a privilege to support the drive to find a cure for type 1. When not working, I can be found performing and directing theatre with my local drama group.
Although my degree was in chemistry, I soon left the lab when I realised I preferred talking about science to doing it myself! Now it’s my job to translate the research JDRF funds into something more accessible for everyone. This is actually my second stint at JDRF – I worked here until 2015, and I’ve really loved coming back to the fold.
Having family connections to chronic autoimmune disorders help me understand the implications that type 1 has on people living with the condition as well as their families. Finding a cure would mean the world to millions of people!
Finding the cure, or even new treatments for living with type 1, would make a huge difference to my friends whose lives are affected every day by the condition. Away from work, I have performed several times at the Edinburgh Fringe.