Max's Story

On April 27th, 2013, our son Max came into this world, and that day became the happiest of our lives. I made a promise to him that no matter what life threw his way, I would always be there to help him.

Like all parents, we cherish the memories of Max's first steps, potty training, and the joy of hearing him say "Daddy" or "Mumma." However, our journey took an unexpected turn when Max was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a memory we wish we never had.

Max was such a happy baby, always laughing and smiling. But when he turned 18 months old, we noticed he wasn't himself.

The week leading up to his diagnosis was strange. Max had a cold and cough and seemed to be losing weight. We consulted our GP, who diagnosed it as a virus and recommended Calpol.

Little did we know the storm that was brewing.

Unknowingly, I had given Max cake, sweets, and fizzy drinks to boost his energy at a friend's birthday party. His excessive thirst and frequent trips to the bathroom seemed harmless, and we attributed them to the amount he drank. How wrong we were.

As Halloween approached, Max's condition worsened. We rushed back to the GP, who still diagnosed it as a virus and prescribed antibiotics. Little did we know that our lives were about to change forever.

On Halloween night, Max's condition deteriorated rapidly. We rushed him to Stafford hospital, where he fell into a coma. The news of his Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis shattered our hearts. We watched anxiously as the medical team worked tirelessly to stabilize him.

Max woke up after 48 hours, weakened and skinny, but we were relieved to see him conscious. As parents, our mission was to protect him, but now, we had to learn how to manage his diabetes.

We were introduced to the Medtronic 640g insulin pump, which was a game-changer for us. It helped monitor Max's blood sugar levels and gave us some relief from the constant finger pricks.

Max started school at four years old, another challenging milestone for us. Trusting others to care for him was difficult, but his teachers received valuable training from our diabetes team.

Life with a child with Type 1 Diabetes is never easy. Restless nights, constant monitoring, and the responsibility of keeping him safe become a way of life. But we embrace it because Max is everything to us.

Recently, we were fortunate to receive the Medtronic 780g with Smart guard technology, another remarkable advancement in diabetes management. It's made our lives even more manageable, and we can't thank the diabetes community and Medtronic enough.

Max, now seven years old, is growing into an amazing little boy who makes us proud every day. He even inspired a children's book, "The Adventures of Captain Lantus," based on his belief that his insulin pump makes him a superhero. This book has touched many lives, and we hope to continue spreading positivity and empowerment.

Max is now ten years old, and he has grown into an incredible young advocate for raising awareness of Type 1 Diabetes. With unwavering determination, he actively participates in diabetes events such as the One Walk for JDRF, spreading valuable awareness and inspiring others on their own journeys.

Max's presence can be felt across all social media platforms, where he shares his experiences, offers support, and connects with fellow children and families facing similar challenges. He has become a beacon of hope and strength for the diabetes community worldwide. Not content with just one book, Max has written a second instalment of "The Adventures of Captain Lantus," continuing the empowering story that children with and without Type 1 Diabetes adore. Additionally, he has created an activity book, enriching young minds while still generously donating copies to children across the globe.