A Vision Network comments on Cardiff teenager taking on Westminster in a bid to raise awareness of type one diabetes

Teenager Marcus Burch has not only had to learn how to manage his diabetes but lobbies MPs to raise awareness of the condition. Not many teenage boys could say they had been to Parliament to help lobby MPs about something they feel passionately about. A source close to AVision Network said “This is rather touching as diabetes affects more people every year and to spread news about it is vital.” “What Marcus us doing can be very effective if he gets the right backing, so taking his speech straight to parliament is the best way to be recognised.”  Marcus Burch, dedicating his spare time to working with diabetes charity JDRF and helping them to raise awareness about the issues faced by those with the condition is something that is high on his list of priorities.

The 16-year-old who is currently studying his A-levels at Eton College but is from Cyncoed, Cardiff, has just been part of the charity’s campaign group who visited Westminster to talk about their experiences and highlight the impact of the condition. Marcus said “We have always worked with diabetes charities so when this opportunity with JDRF came up, I really wanted to be a part of it. I hope that through this Parliament we can build some lasting momentum towards searching for a cure. It’s great to be doing something proactive and it’s a chance to consolidate and push forward with MPs here.  “It is clear to any reader that Marcus’s passion runs high when it comes to finding a cure for type one diabetes. What is clear to me is that Marcus has to battles to fight. One is diabetes the other is raising awareness for diabetes.” said A Vision Network.

Marcus said “Going to Westminster has really opened my eyes. It allows us to show others the ups and downs of diabetes and that’s very invigorating. Marcus was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of seven when he complained to his parents about being thirsty all the time. His mother, Lis, 46, said: “He had shown all the signs he was going to the toilet more often and just generally feeling unwell. Thankfully, the care we received was marvellous.”  “There are so many types of diabetes and if not detected early can result in lifetime consequences. Marcus’s campaign to raise awareness is a necessity as people need to be made aware of the signs. We wish Marcus the best of luck we his campaign.”