MEMBERS of Burnham-on-Sea's diabetes support group are celebrating after being nominated for a prestigious award.

The group, which is headed up by committee members Phil Cooke, Colin Holdom, Sara Plume and Gwen Froment, has been nominated for an Inspire Award from Diabetes UK.

The support group was set up just a year ago and has made a number of achievements from holding a range of meetings to bringing people together to spend valuable time with healthcare professionals, asking questions and finding out more about managing diabetes well.

Phil Cooke, chairman of the group, also bravely shared his personal story and struggles with diabetes at a group meeting titled 'Confessions of a Diabetic' and the repurcussions of not initially taking his diabetes seriously.

Speaking about the award, Phil Cooke said: "I am, on behalf of the committee and the group members, very proud that our group has been nominated for this fantastic award.

"We are a new group which is supported and run by members of the Burnham-on-Sea and District Lions and strive to help all people with diabetes and those at risk of becoming a diabetic."

The group has been nominated in the local groups and communities category which recognises the tireless work of the group to support people with diabetes in the Burnham-on-Sea area.

Phaedra Perry, regional head of Diabetes UK South West, said: "After visiting the group and speaking with individuals at meetings, we know just what this group means to its members and just how much they appreciate the opportunity to meet others, knowing that they are not on their own with their diabetes.

"Our volunteers and fundraisers are out there working hard in the community day in and day out. Our much-needed work wouldn?t be possible without their incredible support and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our volunteers who make an enormous difference through their support."

The Inspire Awards celebrate Diabetes UK's dedicated volunteers who campaign to improve the quality of care available to people with diabetes, fundraise for pioneering research, raise awareness to stem the rising tide of diabetes and provide vital peer support and connection to others living with all types of diabetes within their local communities.

This year our Inspire Awards are taking place on June 10 and, for the first time due to Covid-19, we will be holding the ceremony online.

For more information about becoming a volunteer for Diabetes UK, or to join a local support group email south.west@diabetes.org.uk or call 01823 448260.