A CHARITY volunteer from Chester-le-Street has won an award for her work from the charity Diabetes UK.

Chloe Brown, 22, who helps run a campaigning and peer support group for young people with diabetes at the One Point Hub, Burns Green, Chester-le-Street, won the Young People’s Outstanding Contribution award at the charity’s regional Inspire Awards in Durham City. Richard Lane, President of Diabetes UK described Ms Brown as a ‘truly inspirational person’.

Ms Brown has Type 1 diabetes, which means her body cannot produce insulin.

The peer support group she runs is open to children with diabetes. At the moment the youngest is eight and the oldest is 17.. She was part of the charity’s Children’s Lobby at the Houses of Parliament in June which called on MPs to improve support for children with long term health conditions.

Linda Wood, Regional Manager for Diabetes UK in the Northern and Yorkshire region said: “Chloe is a special young woman and we are very lucky to have her as a volunteer. She speaks up for young people with diabetes and more importantly empowers them to speak up for themselves.

Ms Brown said she was thrilled to win the award and has just received funding from Investing in Children to do paid work for the group one day a week. Anyone who wants to join the group should contact chloe.brown.92@outlook.com The group meets every second Saturday morning of the month.