Washington schoolboy Reece is inspiring others with diabetes

Eleven-year-old Reece Lunt was diagnosed with diabetes about three years ago and decided he would do his best to control it, rather than let it control his life.

Now Reece, who has just completed Year 6 at Rickleton Primary in Washington, has collected a top title in recognition of his efforts, with his certificate presented to him on the terrace at the House of Lords.

He was nominated for the Jubilee Youth Awards for Character by headteacher Colin Lofthouse, after impressing his teachers by leading a school assembly for more than 470 fellow pupils.

He also lobbied Mr Lofthouse to persuade him to get the whole school involved in World Diabetes Day, raising hundreds of pounds in support of charity.

The work has seen the school awarded the Good Diabetes in School Award this year.

Reece went on to repeat the presentation at two other schools nearby, with their leaders getting in touch to express how impressed they were about his ability to capture and hold the attention of their pupils.

Mr Lofthouse said: “He’s a very energetic little boy. Since his diagnosis we have been working with his parents and his diabetes nurse.

“He’s quite a remarkable pupil.”

Mr Lofthouse told judges: “Reece has turned what could be a debilitating and limiting condition into a determined attempt to raise others awareness of what diabetes is, how to spot the signs and symptoms and how the condition can be managed successfully.

“Reece has taught his school that across the UK the rates of childhood diabetes are rising exponentially and that if organisations and individuals are not educated about it, these children who suffer with the condition might not get the proper support and help they need.

“He has spoken to hundreds of children in the region.

“With each new assembly, he helps children like himself and others who don’t understand Type 1 Diabetes.

“Reece is a remarkable young man.

“We have watched how his determination to be the same as all of the other children, plus the constant support of his family, has moulded his character into what we see today.”