5. 90-second Statements

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:57 pm on 7 December 2022.

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Photo of Jayne Bryant Jayne Bryant Labour 3:57, 7 December 2022

Last night, as chair of the cross-party group on diabetes, I was privileged to join Members, Diabetes Cymru and the Baldwin family in the Senedd to celebrate the life and legacy of Peter Baldwin as we approach what would have been his twenty-first birthday. Peter turned 13 on 10 December 2014. He loved life, school and his friends. He was a fit, healthy teenager who, as we heard from his sister last night, loved ice cream, and he had the world at his feet. Tragically, Peter passed away a few weeks later due to complications resulting from his diabetes being diagnosed too late.

Since his death, his mother Beth has campaigned tirelessly to help raise awareness and prevent other families suffering the same tragedy. By sharing his story, Beth has encouraged others to take the step of getting their child checked for diabetes before it's too late. Beth's efforts and Peter's legacy are truly inspirational and far reaching. Lives will have been saved because of it.

The refreshed 4Ts campaign is just one example of this. The campaign highlights the four symptoms to look out for when diagnosing diabetes: toilet—going more often; tired; thirsty; and thinner. This has raised awareness of the symptoms and prompted parents and adults alike to ask for a test for diabetes. So much good work is being done in this field by groups such as Diabetes UK and campaigners like the Baldwins. I applaud their efforts and urge all Members to do what they can to spread awareness of the symptoms of this disease. It really can make the world of difference.