Gosport Amputee Bags Double Honour at Diabetes UK Awards
A Gosport man has scooped two top awards for his tireless work raising awareness about living with diabetes-related amputations.
Barrie Smith’s Big Win
Barrie Smith, 76, who lives with Type 1 diabetes, took home both the Campaigning and Raising Awareness Award and the prestigious Sir Steve Redgrave Award at Diabetes UK’s regional volunteering conference in Basingstoke on March 19.
Going Above and Beyond
The Sir Steve Redgrave Award is reserved for volunteers who go the extra mile for Diabetes UK. Barrie’s efforts perfectly fit the bill.
A Lifeline for Fareham and Gosport
As a media volunteer for the Diabetes UK South East region, Barrie has been heavily involved in the Putting Feet First campaign. This initiative aims to slash diabetes-related amputations by half, especially targeting the Fareham and Gosport Clinical Commissioning Group areas, which have the highest amputation rates in England.
“It’s vital we spotlight the impact of diabetes and work to reduce the number of amputations,” said Barrie. “This recognition means the world.”
