2023
Conference Faculty & Speakers
Mandy Aspinall, RGN RSCN, PDSN, BSc Paediatric Diabetes Management
South Warwickshire University Hospital Foundation Trust
Mandy Aspinall is married to Gavin who is also a Paediatric nurse and they have 2 children Josh (22) and Rosie (20). They also have an adorable cocker spaniel called Wispa. Mandy and Gavin are very proud of Josh and Rosie in all they have achieved. Josh was diagnosed with type 1 when he was 14 years old. Mandy is lead PDSN at Warwick and has been working in diabetes for 8 years. She feels very privileged to care for such wonderful and amazing children, young people and families, some of whom are attending the event. One of her mums has always said this is the best event by far and has always been a big advocate in encouraging people to attend. When the going gets tough, it’s the families that keeps the team smiling. This is Mandy’s first Diabetes Together Conference and she hopes it will be the first of many. She is very excited to meet everyone and have lots of fun. Her friends and family would describe Mandy as a little bit crazy!!
Simran Bal
League of Diabetes
Simran Bal is the youngest of the League of Diabetes (LoD) Charity trustees at 22 years old. She was diagnosed with type 1 just after her 9th birthday in January 2010. Living in an extended family of 19, with no prior knowledge of the condition, this was a massive adjustment for them all. Simran has now turned this into a positive thing and openly talks about the psychological impacts and difficulties of growing up and being a teenager with this condition. Her work focuses on this age group to share her experiences and educate youngsters that diabetes should not stand in the way of how any teenager lives their life, embracing the good times and learning from their mistakes. With LoD, she helps to run social, educational, and empowering events to support people living with T1D. This is mainly done through ‘Diathlete Day’ workshops and coffee chats with parents and families of children with T1D for NHS teams to educate and encourage those with the condition. She has attended a number of diabetes camps, including in Costa Rica, and hosted an adult camp in London this summer. Simran is currently studying pharmacy at LJMU with the hope in the future of connecting her diabetes experience to her pharmaceutical knowledge. Diabetes has only pushed Simran to reach higher for the stars. She feels the condition has given her many more opportunities in life that she may not have had living without it.
Douglas Cairns, Trustee & T1 Pilot
In 1989, Douglas Cairns was a Royal Air Force jet pilot and instructor at the age of 25 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and consequently lost his flying career. In 2000 he regained the freedom to fly in the USA as a licensed private pilot, and in 2003 Douglas went on to complete Diabetes World Flight, a round-the-world flight. Since 2009 Douglas has run “Flying With Diabetes”, an initiative to raise positive awareness for pilots with diabetes, by setting solo and group aviation world records including “Diabetes Polar Flight” in 2011 to the North Pole and landing on the polar ice. Douglas is a co-founder of “Pilots With Diabetes”, an aviation policy advocacy group for pilots with insulin-treated diabetes. He joined the Board of Trustees for T-1 Today UK in July 2019. Douglas is passionate about raising positive awareness of diabetes and gives regular talks to conferences and meetings, highlighting that diabetes need not limit the scope of people’s dreams and ambitions.
Sophie Cairns
Type 1 Wife
Sophie Cairns
has been a T1 spouse for over 10 years. Originally from Hong Kong, Sophie began climbing mountains in 2009 to raise funds for cancer research, and in 2013-14 climbed the highest vol-cano on each continent (including Mount Sidley in Antarctica). Her book on the adventure, Climbing the Seven Volcanoes, was pub-lished in 2020. Sophie has a great love for animals and has founded an animal micro-sanctuary with Douglas.
Captain Ian Cuddihy
Comercial Pilot
Ian Cuddihy is a commercial pilot with over 25 years’ experience in aviation, flying a variety of aircraft to destinations around the world. In 2007, aged 29, he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and his career came to an abrupt stop. Having flown for British Airways he was now grounded – seemingly forever. Still wishing to remain in the aviation sector, Ian became a simulator instructor, eventually becoming a pilot examiner for the Civil Aviation Authority. In the meantime, he joined “Pilots with Diabetes”, an aviation policy advocacy group and together they were able to help bring about changes to the regulations regarding Insulin-Treated pilots. Under these new regulations, Ian was able to return to flying in 2014 and since then has continued to fly all over the world.
Dr Mark Davies, BSc (Hons) DClinPsych
Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Mark Davies graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 1998 with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Prior to this he worked as a Re-search Psychologist at St George’s Hospital Medical School, Univer-sity of London. Since June 2000 he has worked at Belfast City Hos-pital where he provides a clinical psychology service to people with diabetes and the healthcare professionals who care for them across Belfast Health & Social Care Trust. Most his working time is spent talking to people with diabetes about a wide range of psychological issues that can impair their ability or willingness to look after their diabetes. In addition, he provides supervision and training to a range of healthcare professionals both locally and nationally. He has published widely. He has re-cently supervised a Diabetes UK funded project exploring why people living with diabetes choose not to attend structured education programmes and a feasibility study of an interven-tion for people who present with high levels of diabetes distress. He is particularly interested person-centred practice and is a member of the Knuston Ireland Faculty, which runs an em-powerment and counselling skills training course each year for diabetes healthcare profes-sionals across Ireland.
Emma Gibb, BSc Human Nutrition & Dietetics
Dietetic Clinical Team Lead – Diabetes, Queen Victoria Hospital, Glasgow
Emma Gibb
has been a Diabetes Specialist Dietitian for 23 years, working in dietetics for 30 years. At present her role within Greater Glasgow & Clyde is Dietetic Clinical Team Lead in Diabetes. Emma graduated from Queens College, Glasgow in 1993 and began her career within medical and elderly care wards in Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock. Diabetes has always been part of Emma’s role from then, working in adult services, but always having an interest in transition care, pregnancy and education to enable self-management. When not working Emma is a mum of 3 and in the little spare time she has enjoys walking, going to church, cooking, travelling and enjoying time with friends. Not only is Emma one of our teen staff members, she also joined our Food and Beverage Team at the beginning of this year.
Gary Graham, BA (Hons) Popular Music, MEd
Type 1 Husband
Gary Graham
is a graduate of UHI University with a BA (Hons) in Popular Music and completed his Masters Degree in Further Education at Aberdeen University in 2021, whilst also lecturing full-time at the North East of Scotland College in the Learning Opportunities Department. Gary was introduced to T-1 Today UK after meeting Rebekah, who attended her first UK Conference in 2010, her first US Conference in 2013 and joined the staff at both in 2014, working initially in Childcare before moving to Elementary. Since being with Bex, Gary has gained an insight and understanding as to what Type 1 is all about which has enabled him to understand what some of his students deal with every day. Gary and Bex married on 9th August this year. In his spare time, Gary also enjoys writing and performing music in his multi-ensemble function band, Silver City Soul Revue. Throughout his ventures as a musician Gary has played at hundreds of weddings, functions and parties throughout the UK. He is a keen runner, meditates daily and enjoys relaxing with a latte with Bex.
Rebekah Graham, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
Joint Elementary Leader & College Lecturer, North East Collage, Aberdeen
Bex Graham was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1998, aged thirty-six months. She attended her first Friends for Life UK Conference in 2010 and her first Friends for Life Orlando Conference in 2013 and has attended both ever since, joining the staff on both sides of the Pond in 2014. Bex graduated from Aberdeen College in Social Sciences in 2016 and graduated with BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling in 2022 in Glasgow. Since 2014 she has been invited to speak to the second-year medical students at Aberdeen University during their lectures on diabetes. Bex is a lecturer at her old college, teaching and supporting students with additional needs. In her spare time, she also plays competitive netball, is a netball coach at her old school and with the North District Squad, is a swimming teacher, loves reading, walking her dogs, doting on her nephew, Aaden, keeping up with her friends wherever they are in the world, and relaxing with a vanilla latte. On 9th August this year, the day before her 25th diaversary, Bex married Gary in the presence of many of her friends from across the globe she has met through Children with Diabetes.
Dr James E Greening, MBBS FRCPCH
Paediatric Endocrinologist, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
James Greening is delighted to be part of the faculty this year and is looking forward to sharing his experience. He has over 25 years of experiencing of working with children and families with diabetes. James trained in London, working at the Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street, St Bartholomew’s, and UCLH, as well as a stint at the Childrens Hospital Westmead in Sydney, where he not only learnt about patient care but also took part in research for a cure of diabetes. James took up a consultant post in Leicester and clinical lead for the service. During his time in Leicester James had the privilege to see pretty much all aspects of diabetes care in an incredibly diverse population of patients. His service at Leicester is particularly active in research and also bringing in new advances in diabetes: they are one of the leading centres in the UK conducting diabetes research. They have lead initiatives in education and James is the co-founder of the "DEAPP" education programme. James and his team’s Ethos is they are a team which is an integral part for the patient and their family.
Professor Partha Kar FRCP MD
Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology, National Specialty Advisor for Diabetes with NHS England, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Partha Kar is National Specialty Advisor, Diabetes with NHS England. He is an International Medical Graduate (Kolkata, India) who works as a Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust since 2008 – and has won multiple awards at the BMJ, HSJ & Guardian Care Awards. Partha has helped to expand use of technology in Type 1 Diabetes - namely use of Flash Glucose/CGM and implementation of use of CGM in T1D pregnancy along with use of online digital self-management platforms - while recently leading on real world data collection on Closed Loops for subsequent NICE review for wide access. His other work has involved championing “Language Matters”; principles of Peer support for Type 1 Diabetes as well as Co- creator of Type 1 Diabetes comic (Volume 1 to 4). Partha is one of the leading users of social media in diabetes care - and writes a monthly blog for the British Medical Journal. He has also been recognized as one of the most influential figures from the ethnic minority population across healthcare in the UK by the Healthcare Service Journal in 2020,2021 & 2022. Partha has recently been appointed by the GMC as their Clinical Advisor for International Medical Graduates in the NHS. In 2021 he received an OBE for services to Diabetes care.
Professor Brian Kennon, MD FRCP
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Glasgow
Brian Kennon was appointed as an adult consultant diabetologist in 2004. He works at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland and his sub-speciality interests include transitional care, diabetes foot disease and technology enabled care. He is also interested in developing person-centred care models and a societal approach to wellbeing. As national lead for diabetes in Scotland he has been involved in the implementation of the Diabetes Improvement Plan with the aim of improving the care of persons with diabetes across Scotland. He is also chair of the Scottish Diabetes Innovations and Technologies group which aims to improve adoption of innovative solutions to improving care and outcomes. Brian is the proud father of 2 sons aged 6 and 3 years old and personal interests include football, walking, open water swimming and cycling.
Fiona Kennon, BA, PGCE, MSc
Priory Hospital, Manchester
Fiona Kennon is a Systemic Family Therapist who has lived with T1 for over 46 years. For the last seven years, she has been working with inpatients with a diagnosed eating disorder and their families; she also teaches on the MSc in family therapy in Manchester. Fiona would like to do more research into how family therapy can support families affected by a diagnosis of T1 diabetes and recently contributed to a Diabetes UK intervention to support families. Fiona is a committee member of the charity DWED, which supports individuals with T1 and an eating disorder. Outside work, she enjoys singing, Scottish country dancing, reading and trying to get fit. Fiona and her husband Steve are parents to Duncan (26), Donald (24) and Alice (20).
Scott Kyllo
Type 1 Dad
Scott Kyllo
lives in British Columbia, Canada. He has two adult children, Alyssa and Chad. Their path along the diabetes road started in 1996 when his son, Chad, then age two, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when they were residing in Bahrain in the Middle East. The World Wide Web had just arrived in Bahrain and it brought to the Kyllo’s the safety of the Children with Diabetes family. Two years later, when life was becoming somewhat comfortable and routine, Alyssa, then age 7, was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Chad was also diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2001. The family attended their first Friends For Life conference in Orlando in 2002. Getting to meet the CWDers in person was like Christmas in July! Scott is a Chief Information Officer by day and an Aircraft Engineer by night maintaining a Piper Cherokee and a Mooney. These skills and his “MacGyver” qualities keep him running at T-1 Today UK conferences as its Information Technology and Audio/Visual lead support person. He is a strong advocate of Friends For Life and T-1 Today UK conferences and believes anyone with a connection to diabetes should attend at least one... although warns that the conferences are much like potato chips—it’s hard to stop at just one! Scott also helps to run the T-1 Today UK Dad’s discussion group.
Lee Lofthouse
Type 1 Dad
Lee Lofthouse is a father of two girls, with his older daughter being diagnosed with T1 in 2018 aged 7. He lives in London with his family but is originally from the south west, and works in consulting helping organisations figure out NetZero. Lee enjoys being in the zone on a good run, cycling in the woods, unplanned independent travel, last minute Liverpool goals, and most things science. He's really looking forward to hearing about the very latest developments in T1 research. Lee has joined Faculty this year as one of the Dad's leading the Dad’s discussion group.
Alison Meek
Type 1 Mum
Alison Meek is looking forward to attending the Diabetes Together conference as a staff member this year. She has previously enjoyed attending the event with her T1 son who was diagnosed in 2015 aged 10. Alison is a primary teacher who is now working in a school for children with special needs. Alison joined our team earlier this year, taking over the role of Treasurer from Penny Robinson.
Danni Quinn
Advocate of T1 Rights of Children in Education, Type 1 Mum
Danni Quinn is mum to three children. Joel is the youngest and was diagnosed with type 1 in 2003 at the age of four. She and Joel attended the first five FFL UK conferences. Danni has been an advocate for the inclusion and rights of T1 children at school since Joel experienced a lack of support. Over the years Danni has become very knowledgeable in policies and law relating to education, and 10 years ago she founded the Facebook group, ‘T1 Children - Rights at School’. Danni is extremely passionate about making sure that parents are aware of the support their children are entitled to in education. She is delighted to attend this year’s Diabetes Together Conference.
Katy Sparrow, Dietetics (MNutr)
Senior Specialist Paediatric Diabetes Dietitian, University Hospitals of Leicester
Katy Sparrow has been a Dietitian for 7 years and has worked within Diabetes for 5 of these. At present, her role at the University Hospitals of Leicester is within children's diabetes care. Katy graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2016 and began her career in Leicester before embarking down the path of diabetes care in Cambridgeshire in 2018. Since then, Diabetes care has remained a part of Katy's role with specialist focus on diabetes technologies and exercise management. Katy is fortunate to have been able to contribute to diabetes camps all over the globe, including California and Bermuda! She has since established a peer support service within Leicestershire and enjoys bringing families and young people with diabetes together. When not working, Katy loves to travel and dance. She is excited to be joining her first ever Diabetes Together Conference.
Emma Strack-Smith
Type 1 Mum
Emma Strack-Smith’s son, Hugo, was diagnosed aged 6, in 2016. Her hunger for diabetes information led them to attend their first T-1 Today UK Conference in 2017 and every year since to hear about the latest r&d, keep on top of the coolest tech and the best practical ways to manage the condition and to reassure new t1 families that they are not alone. Emma is an Executive Coach, following previous careers as a Reflexologist and a Chartered Accountant for one of the big 4 and working around the world for 17 years. She also volunteers at a local hospital where she always recommends this conference to newly diagnosed T1s and their families. Emma has 4 kids (Hugo being the youngest) and enjoys meeting life's challenges with a smile. Emma joined the T-1 Today UK staff in 2019.
David Sutherland
Type 1 Dad
David Sutherland is dad to Jamie, Gemma, Sarah and Rebekah (Dx’d T1D 1998, aged 36 months), father-in-law to Craig, and just recently Gary, Grandpa to Aaden and has been married to Gwen for 40 years. He attended his first UK Children With Diabetes Conference in 2010, his first CWD Orlando Conference in 2014 and joined the volunteer staff on both sides of the Pond in 2015. Not only is David a member of the Food and Beveridge Team in Orlando, he is one of two Coordinators for T-1 Today UK. He has been joined by Emma this year and they organise, plan, and carb count all the meals and snacks for the Conferences. Outside the Conference, David is a criminal defence lawyer in Aberdeen, running his own business, which also employs Jamie and Gwen! When not in court, David enjoys golfing, cycling, going to the gym, playing with Aaden, and spending time with his family.
Professor Tim Tree, PHD
Senior Lecturer at Kings College School Of Medicine
Tim Tree
is a specialist in human immunology with particular expertise in studying how the immune system can go wrong and contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. Tim studied Biochemistry at Imperial College London and then completed a PhD at the same institute funded by the World Health Organization investigating a tropical disease called river blindness. In 1995 he moved to King’s College London to embark on a programme of research to investigate the role of the immune system on the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Tim’s current research interests are focussed on understanding how the balance of potentially harmful and protective immune cells influence the development of T1D and how immunotherapies can change this balance and impact disease progression. Tim is currently the Professor of Immune Regulation and Immunotherapy at King’s College London. He leads the mechanistic core of the Diabetes UK/JDRF funded UKT1D Research Consortium and plays a lead role in international networks (INNODIA, ENDENT1FI and GPPAD) with a single research mission: a world without T1D.
Jack Trigger
T1 Ocean Racer
Jack Trigger is a professional ocean racer and yachtsman. A three times World Record holder, in 2018 he became the first person living with Type 1 Diabetes to race solo across the Atlantic, sailing from St Malo, France to Guadeloupe non-stop and without assistance, in just 18 days. Having been described as a ‘resilience specialist’, Jack is an expert in personal management in extreme environments, a technology enthusiast and veritable diabetes advocate, empowering and inspiring through his own unique experiences and positive approach to life.
Dr Rebecca Waldron, BSc (Hons) and DClinPs
Paediatric Psychologist, Leeds Teaching Hospital
Becky Waldron is a Senior Clinical Psychologist having studied psychology at the University of Edinburgh and completed a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Lancaster University in 2012. Becky has been working in the Leeds Children and Young People’s Diabetes team over the last 11 years, working with children, young people and their families up to the age of 19, with some work into the Young Adult team up to the age of 25. In this time, she has been learning from children, young people and families about living well with diabetes and using this, and psychological approaches, in working with those struggling with their emotional wellbeing alongside diabetes. Becky has provided training for other health care professionals working in paediatric diabetes at the University of York and University of Birmingham covering aspects of working with children, young people and families in a diabetes setting. She is currently involved in a project developing emotional wellbeing resources through co design with young people for Digibete and a pilot project developing parental peer support programme. This summer, Becky enjoyed running a Tree of Life workshop for young people and was amazed by their strengths and skills and the way they used these to manage challenges they faced in caring for diabetes alongside everyday life as a young person.
Rebecca Van Ristell, BSc Adult Nursing, Dip HE in Child Nursing, Dip in Autonomous Nursing
Practice, Post Graduate Certificate in the management of Childhood Diabetes, Post Graduate Certificate in Academic
Practice in Higher Education, Achieved status of Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Beck Van Ristell
is a registered dual trained Adult and Paediatric Nurse. Prior to the past 2.5 years spent in academia at Coventry University, she worked for the NHS as a Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse (PDSN). The 8 years spent working alongside children and their families to support them with the treatment and management of Type 1 diabetes was a privilege and honour. Within Beck’s field of support, education, and management of diabetes she was able to observe and watch children grow as therapeutic working relationships were established. Beck supported children on both multiple daily injections and pump therapy as well as supporting the children and families become familiar with and enhance their understanding of technology supporting Continuous Glucose Monitoring. Working alongside current policies and procedures ensured her training and experience was kept current and up to date. Beck and her team worked closely within the diabetes network to ensure the delivery and content of information was standardised. Through being part of the network allowed Beck to reach out to other organisations and offer extra services and support within her own time which she did at various JDRF events. Beck feels it is once again a privilege and honour to be able to share this journey with everyone at Diabetes Together.
The Teen Faculty
Jude Kennon, Leader
Jude Kennon is a Health Systems Engagement Manager at Diabetes UK. She is a registered nurse and prior to starting at DUK, was a Diabetes Specialist Nurse for over 9 years. Jude has been involved with T1-Today UK since 2018, becoming our Lead Nurse in 2019. This year she and has stepped into a new role taking over as Teen Group Leader. Jude lives in Glasgow with her husband, Brian, and two children, Dylan aged 6 and Harrison aged 3. She enjoys singing, dancing, wild swimming, and all things Disney.
Helen Allen, RGN RSCN
Helen Allen has been a paediatric nurse for 35 years. She is currently a ward sister with a special interest in diabetes and since 2018 has been a paediatric DSN. Helen loves pump therapy and new technologies. She is mum to 3 children. Helen cannot wait to join the Diabetes Together team this year as she knows how invaluable it is for the families.
Emma Gibb, BSc Human Nutrition & Dietetics
Emma Gibb has been a Diabetes Specialist Dietitian for 23 years, working in dietetics for 30 years. At present her role within Greater Glasgow & Clyde is Dietetic Clinical Team Lead in Diabetes. Emma graduated from Queens College, Glasgow in 1993 and began her career within medical and elderly care wards in Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock. Diabetes has always been part of Emma’s role from then, working in adult services, but always having an interest in transition care, pregnancy and education to enable self-management. When not working Emma is a mum of 3 and in the little spare time she has enjoys walking, going to church, cooking, travelling and enjoying time with friends. Not only is Emma one of our teen staff members, she also joined our Food and Beverage Team at the beginning of this year.
Neil Carpenter
Neil Carpenter started working at Abbott in 1999. Neil is a Principal Scientist working in Research and Development, and is involved in the design and development of test strips and meters for blood glucose monitoring. Neil has a non-identical twin, but likes to regard themselves as "simultaneous brothers". He enjoys watching many different sports. Formerly a choir boy, Neil now prefers to enjoy his music through visits to the theatre and and attending concerts. He also likes to spend his free time traveling both in the UK and abroad. Neil met his wife Nicola through working at Abbott.
Steve Kennon
Steve Kennon’s love of adventure has involved being a British Army Officer, Bomb Disposal Officer, Police Officer, climbing mountains, mountain biking and being the husband of someone with T1D for over 30 years! Having survived all this, when not running his company, Steve loves to work with youth groups in his local church and community. Steve is married to Fiona, a specialist diabetes Family Therapist, and has 3 kids – Duncan (26), Donald (24) and Alice (20).
Jenny Mackenzie
Jenny Mackenzie attended her first FFL conference in 2020 as technical support for the first virtual conference, and returned again in 2021 for the second virtual conference. Seeing what was involved, and how much this helped the attendees, Jenny has volunteer again this year for what will be her first “in-person” conference. Jenny has worked in product development and manufacturing of diabetes products for over 20 years. She is the proud Auntie of 2 nieces. In her spare time, Jenny loves being in the outdoors and is always up for an adventure, making the most of the Scottish Highlands.
Bethaney Millar
Beth Millar was diagnosed with T1 diabetes in 1996 at 2 and a half years old. She attended her first Friends for Life UK Conference in 2009 and has fond memories of the conferences. Beth joined the staff of Diabetes Together in 2020 and has worked with the Teens since then. She has been pumping for 17 years and currently uses CGM. Beth graduated with a French degree in 2015, after completing a year living and working abroad, and completed her MA in Education in 2019. She now works as a modern foreign language teacher in Yorkshire and supports her T1 diabetic students whenever needed. Beth is also studying for a doctorate focussing on perceptions of type one diabetes in education. In her spare time Beth loves reading, everything Disney or Harry Potter, and enjoys designing her own crochet patterns and projects.
Jon Peel
Jon Peel has worked at Abbott for over 20 years and is currently an Operational Excellence Engineer in Site Excellence supporting amongst other things Continuous Improvement Activities within both glucose strip and sensor technology, and set up of the Management Operating System. Outside of work, now the children have grown up, Jon enjoys travelling with his wife, attending live gigs and music festivals (albeit on his own as his wife does not camp!) as well as challenges such as marathons, canoeing expeditions & is currently learning how to play the Bass Guitar as well as being a beekeeper. This will be Jon’s seventh T-1 Today UK Conference with the Abbott team.
The Tween Faculty
Chelsea Carr, Leader
Chelsea Carr has grown up around diabetes. Her brother Jeremy was diagnosed in 2000. She attended her first Friends for Life Conference with her family in 2003 in Orlando and has been to many Children With Diabetes Conferences since that time. It was through the FFL conferences in Orlando that she first met her husband, Martyn. Chelsea now lives in Glasgow and having completed her Masters Degree in History at the University of Edinburgh, works as a data analyst for Vodafone UK. She is also an aerialist and spends all of her free time hanging from the rafters on a trapeze in various venues around the UK! Chelsea says, "FFL represents the closest friends and family you can have. Everyone you meet understands the experience of T1D and its role in everyday life: for those with diabetes and those who love them".
Martyn Carr, Leader
Martyn Carr, lives in Scotland and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was five years old. Martyn earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University West of Scotland and currently works with different age groups with diabetes. He would like to become a Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN). Martyn met his wife Chelsea at the Friends for Life Conference in Orlando. He has participated in the Friends for Life conferences both in United States of American and the UK for many years, working within the Elementary, Tween and Teen age groups where he loves helping out and being with his friends at conferences on both sides of the pond.
Mandy Aspinall, RGN RSCN, BSc Paediatric Diabetes Management
Mandy Aspinall is married to Gavin who is also a Paediatric nurse and they have 2 children Josh (22) and Rosie (20). They also have an adorable cocker spaniel called Wispa. Mandy and Gavin are very proud of Josh and Rosie in all they have achieved. Josh was diagnosed with type 1 when he was 14years old. Mandy is lead PDSN at Warwick and has been working in diabetes for 8 years. She feels very privileged to care for such wonderful and amazing children, young people and families, some of whom are attending the event. One of her mums has always said this is the best event by far and has always been a big advocate in encouraging people to attend. When the going gets tough, it’s the families that keeps the team smiling 😊 This is Mandy’s first Diabetes Together Conference and she hopes it will be the first of many. She is very excited to meet everyone and have lots of fun. Her friends and family would describe Mandy as a little bit crazy!!
Emily Dilley (BSc) RGN, DSN
Emily Dilley has been a qualified nurse for 25 years and started her career in acute medicine. In 2003 she became Ward Manager on the Diabetes ward at Warwick hospital and started to develop the in-patient diabetes service alongside my own interest and passion for the speciality. In 2010 Emily moved to the Diabetes Specialist Nursing service and in 2011 became the lead Diabetes nurse for this team. Since then she has worked with an amazing and ever growing team to develop the service to the one we see today. We have learnt to embrace technologies and are now supporting our patients living with diabetes in ever new and exciting ways. Emily’s special interest lies with the transition service that has have grown from scratch. It is always a joy to see this group of patients grow and develop. Emily says, “Diabetes nursing is real privilege as we get to share so much of our patients lives”. Outside of work Emily is a mum of 3 humans and 2 Labradors. She loves walking and running and was lucky enough to run the London Marathon this year, more marathons to come …. maybe!!
Liz Phipps
Liz Phipps started working at Abbott over 20 years ago. She is a Clinical Study Start-up Specialist, working in Clinical Operations team, her role includings working with Doctors & Nurses on clinical studies to evaluate the clinical performance and effectiveness of glucose monitoring sytems. Liz can often be found cycling at weekends, exploring local country lanes (although every cycle requires a cake stop on route). Liz re-found her passion for cycling several years ago when she signed up for a charity ride on behalf of the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).
Emily Powell
Emily Powell is from Warwickshire but currently in her final year at Cardiff University Medical School. She has wanted to be a doctor since she was in primary school when she joined St John Ambulance as a cadet. Emily was in the cadets for 7 years volunteering at various events. This is her first Diabetes Together event, volunteering with the Tweens. Emily has a great interest in current and future diabetes care, not only from a medical perspective, but also a personal one, as her partner lives with Type 1 diabetes. In her free time, Emily loves creative activities, watching movies, and, when possible, travelling with her partner, Josh. They have recently returned from travelling around parts of Southeast Asia, which was a great experience. Emily and Josh are keen to explore other parts of the world in the future.
Steve Roberts
Steve Roberts has worked for Abbott Diabetes Care, in various departments, for just over 23 years. Currently part of the Operation Support team supporting both Precision Strip and Libre Sensor production and development. Steve has a BSc. in Geography and Education. Outside of work he is pitcher for Oxford Rebels softball team, (unbeaten league Champions for 2023!!), and is a founder member of the Oxford Softball League back in 1990. He is a qualified BASU softball umpire and has over 10 years’ experience, umpiring at the top national league level of the sport. Interests include photography, spinning, cycling, yoga and enjoy watching most sports. As a student, Steve spent a summer working in Chicago… subsequently a big fan of the Bears American football team and the Cubs baseball team.
Marissa Wylie
Marissa Wylie has worked for Abbott Diabetes Care for just over 16 years and is the Operational Excellence Manager for the Witney site: she previously looked after the manufacturing processes of Libre Sensors. Marissa has a degree in Science and a Masters in Business Administration. She loves horses and spends time helping her friend with her stables. Marissa also enjoys rock climbing and swimming, especially in wild places like Snowdonia. Marissa has been on the Tweens staff for the past six Conferences and is really looking forward to joining again this year.
The Elementary Faculty
Laura Braid, Leader
Laura Braid has been a volunteer since the first UK conference in 2009 and became a Trustee of T1-Today UK in 2021. She has a family history of Type 1 Diabetes, completed research in Diabetes technology as part of her Master’s Degree, and currently works as an engineer for a Diabetes technology manufacturing company. Originally from the US, Laura lives in the Scottish Highlands with her husband John, two guinea pigs, and a flock of chickens. She is a proud Auntie to seven nieces and nephews and in her spare time plays trombone in several bands, loves home brewing and is a keen gardener. Laura loves volunteering because of the huge support network that it creates for families impacted by Diabetes and because of the sheer joy and laughter the conference brings. Laura is looking forward to meeting everyone at Diabetes Together!
Rebekah Graham, Leader
Bex
Graham
was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1998, aged thirty-six months. She attended her first Friends for Life UK Conference in 2010 and her first Friends for Life Orlando Conference in 2013 and has attended both ever since, joining the staff on both sides of the Pond in 2014. Bex graduated from Aberdeen College in Social Sciences in 2016 and graduated with BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling in 2022 in Glasgow. Since 2014 she has been invited to speak to the second-year medical students at Aberdeen University during their lectures on diabetes. Bex is a lecturer at her old college, teaching and supporting students with additional needs. In her spare time, she also plays competitive netball, is a netball coach at her old school and with the North District Squad, is a swimming teacher, loves reading, walking her dogs, doting on her nephew, Aaden, keeping up with her friends wherever they are in the world, and relaxing with a vanilla latte. On 9th August this year, the day before her 25th diaversary, Bex married Gary in the presence of many of her friends from across the globe she has met through Children with Diabetes.
Charlotte Mundy, BSc Nursing (Child), DSN
Charlotte Mundy graduated with a BSc in Child Nursing from The University of Northampton in 2017. After completing a two-year paediatric rotation at UHCW she moved to Warwick Hospital where she became the Diabetes Link Nurse for the Children’s Ward. She has recently completed her Management of Childhood Diabetes Course at Birmingham City University. She lives with her husband, Kieran and dog, Jasper. Her free time is spent enjoying the outdoors with her family and frequent trips up to The Lake District. This is her first T1-Today UK Diabetes Together Conference and she is looking forward to gaining more knowledge and supporting the team.
Sarah Reynolds, Registered Nurse
Sarah Reynolds has been a Children's nurse for almost 30 years. She started her Nurse training at King's College Hospital, London, in 1991, and has worked in various roles since then. Sarah has a 22-yer-old daughter who lives and works in London as a journalist and of whom she is very proud mum. Sarah is currently a school nurse at a Boarding School in Warwickshire. One area of her role is being the link nurse for diabetes, working closely with the diabetes team at University Hospital Warwickshire. This will be Sarah’s first year volunteering at Diabetes Together. She is looking forward to meeting everyone and joining in with the fun!
Rebecca Van Ristell, BSc Adult Nursing, Dip HE in Child Nursing, Dip in Autonomous Nursing Practice, Post Graduate Certificate in the management of Childhood Diabetes, Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice in Higher Education, Achieved status of Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Beck Van Ristell is a registered dual trained Adult and Paediatric Nurse. Prior to the past 2.5 years spent in academia at Coventry University, she worked for the NHS as a Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse (PDSN). The 8 years spent working alongside children and their families to support them with the treatment and management of Type 1 diabetes was a privilege and honour. Within Beck’s field of support, education, and management of diabetes she was able to observe and watch children grow as therapeutic working relationships were established. Beck supported children on both multiple daily injections and pump therapy as she supported the children and families becoming familiar and enhance understanding of technology supporting Continuous Glucose Monitoring. Working alongside current policies and procedures ensured her training and experience was kept current and up to date. Beck and her team worked closely within the diabetes network to ensure the delivery and content of information was standardised. Through being part of the network allowed Beck to reach out to other organisations and offer extra services and support within her own time which she did at various JDRF events. Beck feels it is once again a privilege and honour to be able to share this journey with everyone at Diabetes Together.
Julie Crawford
Julie Crawford is the Business Support Manager at Abbott Diabetes Care. Julie has worked for Abbott for 20 years and in a variety of roles and Divisions with thelast 4 years working for Abbott Diabetes Care Manufacturing Site in Witney , Oxfordshire. Julie has also grown up with Diabetes in her family with both her Dad and brother diagnosed many years ago. She has two grown-up daughters and enjoys social, practical and outside activities. Often out on long dog walks with her Labrador Jeffery or helping out at a friend’s small holding who has 3 horses and 12 acres, so riding horses in exchange for mucking out and lugging and shifting stuff!
Sarah Edwards
Sarah Edwards started at Abbott Diabetes Care in 2014, having studied Chemical Engineering. Now a Lead Quality Assurance Engineer, Sarah has worked in the Quality Assurance department throughout her career, supporting the manufacturing of Freestyle Libre sensors in the UK and Ireland. In her spare time, she loves reading, running and travelling. Sarah has recently discovered trail running and is hoping to one day complete a marathon, having previously completed a handful of Half Marathons.
Hannah Sutton
Hannah Sutton was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2010 and has been attending the Conferences ever since. For the past few years she has been part of the Elementary staff team, where she enjoys meeting others, as well as hearing about new technology and tips to manage her type 1 diabetes. Hannah is currently at medical school and has a particular interest in type 1 diabetes research. Aside from her studies Hannah loves playing cricket and represents her university
The Reception Faculty
Mike Brown, Leader
Mike Brown was diagnosed with T1 diabetes at 6 years old and attended multiple Friends For life conferences between 2009 and 2015. In 2019 Mike joined T-1 Today UK volunteer staff Mike is currently studying for a degree in Professional Policing, whilst serving as a full time Police Officer with Avon and Somerset Constabulary. Mike enjoys the conferences because of the extremely positive atmosphere and willingness to share experiences from everyone involved. There is always more to learn and more tips to pick up about controlling diabetes.
Nikki Hawtin, Leader
Nikki Hawtin started working at Abbott over 26 years ago and has worked in various departments before fianlly settling in document control 16 years ago where she works in all aspects of documentation. Nikki now specialises in project documentation, specifically the introducion of new products. She volunteers as a beaver scout leader for a local scout group (6-8-year-old children) and volunteers for a scout cooking team called OxChefs. Niiki used to be a gymnastic coach and judge for Women’s artistic gymnastics for a local club. She has volunteered with T-1 Today UK since 2019. The rest of Nikki’s free time is spent with her 2 Labrador dogs.
Leah Urquhart, BSc, RN
Leah Urquhart was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2004 age 16. Qualified with a bachelor of science in nursing in 2014 she is currently working in the surgical division of an acute hospital. Leah has volunteered over the years at many Diabetes UK events, including a week long residential camp with the teens. Since 2018 Leah has been a member of the volunteer staff at T-1 Today UK Diabetes Together Conferences working within the Teen and Reception groups. Leah is looking forward to joining the Diabetes Together staff and the Reception children once more this year.
The Childcare Faculty
Alex Stroud, Leader
Alex Stroud started volunteering with the Friends for Life conference in Orlando almost 12 years ago. Once she moved to London, UK with her partner James in 2018 she was excited to begin volunteering for T-1 Today UK. Alex continues to volunteer because of the diabetes education and technology, the positive atmosphere, the support for families, and the fun in childcare! Alex is a graduate from Chico State University in California where she participated on the women’s golf team and received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Child Development. She has experience as a representative for Dexcom and is currently working at Insulet International in London, UK. Alex and her husband James are excited to return to T-1 Today UK with a new addition to their family, Theo!
Hajra Naveed
Hajra Naveed started working at Abbott Diabetes Care in July 2022. She is a technologist working within the Strip Tech team. Her work consists of automating the current systems involved in conducting the strip manufacturing and production analysis whilst monitoring product performance. Hajra is involved in a few charitable societies including Islamic Relief. She likes to devote her time in helping to organise events which can make a change to someone’s life. Hajra also loves cooking, travelling, and spending time with her family and friends. She is looking forward to joining everyone this year at T-1 Today UK’s Diabetes Together Conference in Leamington Spa
Hannah Rogers
Hannah Rogers joined Abbott Diabetes Care as a statistician after finishing her degree at the University of Reading. At Abbott, Hannah is a member of the Women in STEM team, working to encourage more females into STEM-based roles, whether that be kids or adults! She loves to play netball and also enjoys travelling, socialising and walking her dog, Alfie. Hannah has grown up with diabetes in her family - her auntie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adolescent and now wears a Libre herself! Hannah joined T-1 Today UK volunteer staff in 2022, and is very much looking forward to getting involved again this year.
Katie Sellis
Katie Sellis has had type one Diabetes for 12 years. When she not working in the gym as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, she enjoys exercising. Katie also enjoys going out for dog walks and finding time to unwind with a books or doing Pilates.
The Staff Faculty
Conference Organiser
Gwen Sutherland, Trustee, Conference Organiser and Registration
Gwen Sutherland is a volunteer on both sides of the Pond having attended her first Children with Diabetes Friends for Life UK Conference in 2010 after being encouraged to attend when daughter Rebekah (Dx T1D 1998 aged 36 months) received her pump training. In 2013, Gwen and Bex attended their first Children With Diabetes Friends For Life Conference in Orlando and she has been on the Registration team there ever since. Gwen lives in Aberdeen, with husband David; they have four children Jamie, Gemma, Sarah and Rebekah and are doting grandparents to Aaden, who was born in May 2016. Gwen and David have also welcomed Craig and, just recently, Gary into the family. Gwen is one of the founding Trustees, and Chairperson, of T-1 Today UK, and has been instrumental in organising all the UK Conferences since 2017.
Alison Meek, Registration
Alison Meek is looking forward to attending the Diabetes Together conference as a staff member this year. She has previously enjoyed attending the event with her T1 son who was diagnosed in 2015 aged 10. Alison is a primary teacher who is now working in a school for children with special needs.
Food & Bervage Team
David Sutherland, Leader
David Sutherland is dad to Jamie, Gemma, Sarah and Rebekah (Dx’d T1D 1998, aged 36 months), Grandpa to Aaden and married to Gwen. He attended his first UK Children With Diabetes Conference in 2010, his first CWD Orlando Conference in 2014 and joined the volunteer staff on both sides of the Pond in 2015. Not only is David a member of the Food and Beveridge Team in Orlando, he is one of two Coordinators for T-1 Today UK, who organise, plan, and carb count all the meals and snacks for the Conferences. Outside the Conference, David is a criminal defence lawyer in Aberdeen, running his own business, which also employs Jamie and Gwen. When not in court, David enjoys golfing, cycling, going to the gym, playing with Aaden, and spending time with his family.
Emma Gibb, Dietitian
Emma Gibb has been a Diabetes Specialist Dietitian for 23 years, working in dietetics for 30 years. At present her role within Greater Glasgow & Clyde is Dietetic Clinical Team Lead in Diabetes. Emma graduated from Queens College, Glasgow in 1993 and began her career within medical and elderly care wards in Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock. Diabetes has always been part of Emma’s role from then, working in adult services, but always having an interest in transition care, pregnancy and education to enable self-management. When not working Emma is a mum of 3 and in the little spare time she has enjoys walking, going to church, cooking, travelling and enjoying time with friends. Not only is Emma one of our teen staff members, she also joined our Food and Beverage Team at the beginning of this year.
Douglas Cairns, Trustee
In 1989, Douglas Cairns was a Royal Air Force jet pilot and instructor at the age of 25 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and consequently lost his flying career. In 2000 he regained the freedom to fly in the USA as a licensed private pilot, and in 2003 Douglas went on to complete Diabetes World Flight, a round-the-world flight. Since 2009 Douglas has run “Flying With Diabetes”, an initiative to raise positive awareness for pilots with diabetes, by setting solo and group aviation world records including “Diabetes Polar Flight” in 2011 to the North Pole and landing on the polar ice. Douglas is a co-founder of “Pilots With Diabetes”, an aviation policy advocacy group for pilots with insulin-treated diabetes. He joined the Board of Trustees for T-1 Today UK in July 2019. Douglas is passionate about raising positive awareness of diabetes and gives regular talks to conferences and meetings, highlighting that diabetes need not limit the scope of people’s dreams and ambitions.
Photography Team
John Braid
John Braid is looking forward to volunteering at the Diabetes Together conference this year. He’s been involved with tech support for the virtual conferences but is now heading behind the lens as a conference photographer. John has a family history of Diabetes and has previously helped with Diabetes UK charity events. He is a proud Uncle to seven nieces and nephews and enjoys photography, gardening, and food preservation. John is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and lives in the Scottish Highlands.
Steve Roberts
Steve Roberts has worked for Abbott Diabetes Care, in various departments, for just over 23 years. Currently part of the Operation Support team supporting both Precision Strip and Libre Sensor production and development. Steve has a BSc. in Geography and Education. Outside of work he is pitcher for Oxford Rebels softball team, (unbeaten league Champions for 2023!!), and is a founder member of the Oxford Softball League back in 1990. He is a qualified BASU softball umpire and has over 10 years’ experience, umpiring at the top national league level of the sport. Interests include photography, spinning, cycling, yoga and enjoy watching most sports. As a student, Steve spent a summer working in Chicago… subsequently a big fan of the Bears American football team and the Cubs baseball team.
Registration
Alison Meek, Treasurer
Alison Meek is looking forward to attending the Diabetes Together conference as a staff member this year. She has previously enjoyed attending the event with her T1 son who was diagnosed in 2015 aged 10. Alison is a primary teacher who is now working in a school for children with special needs. Alison joined our team earlier this year, taking over the role of Treasurer from Penny
Robinson.
Room Captain Team
Chris Sutton, Leader, Room 19
Chris has been a conference regular since 2010, first as a parent then a volunteer. He is married to Teresa and dad to Daniel, Hannah and Mattie. Chris is an actuary and Senior Lecturer in Actuarial Science at Queen Mary University of London where he lectures in actuarial mathematics and statistical modelling. He is a big Toronto Blue Jays baseball fan and so may be a bit sleepy if the BlueJays are in the play-offs come conference time at the end of October.
Emma Strack-Smith, Room 8
Emma Strack-Smith’s son, Hugo, was diagnosed aged 6, in 2016. Her hunger for diabetes information led them to attend their first T-1 Today UK Conference in 2017 and every year since to hear about the latest r&d, keep on top of the coolest tech and the best practical ways to manage the condition and to reassure new t1 families that they are not alone. Emma is an Executive Coach, following previous careers as a Reflexologist and a Chartered Accountant for one of the big 4 and working around the world for 17 years. She also volunteers at a local hospital where she always recommends this conference to newly diagnosed T1s and their families. Emma has 4 kids (Hugo being the youngest) and enjoys meeting life's challenges with a smile. Emma joined the T-1 Today UK staff in 2019.
Pete Davies, Room 7, T1 Adult, Young Adult & Partners room captain
Pete Davies was born in Kenya and has happy memories of growing up in that beautiful country. Whilst on UK leave in late 1956, Pete was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of just 2. Thanks to his parents’ amazing positivity, his diagnosis did not prevent the family returning to live in East Africa. He was educated in Nairobi until he was almost 8 when his family returned to live in the UK. Pete became a teacher of Design & Technology – a subject he loved. His many interests include music, motorsport, hiking/trekking, photography, gardening and DIY. He has undertaken several long-distance hikes of around 100 miles and summited Kilimanjaro in 2014. Pete’s first consultant was Dr RD Lawrence, who nearly died from Type 1 diabetes (amongst the first in UK to receive insulin - May 1923). Dr Lawrence, as well as Pete’s family, definitely instilled in him the attitude that Type 1 diabetes should never prevent you from achieving your dreams. How right they were!
Tech Support Team
Glynn Robinson, Trustee
Glynn Robinson is married to Penny and has four children including Sophie 21, T1 for 19 years. He has attended FFL in the UK since 2009. He is Chairman of an IT Services company with offices in the UK, Europe, Australia & USA and is naturally drawn to the technological advances in diabetes management. He is also an Education Advisor, sits on the Skills & Education Panel in his local authority and is on the Board of TuringLab: an organisation providing disadvantaged children with key digital skills. Glynn is a Trustee of T1Today UK.