North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has again used his platform in the Senedd to raise awareness of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which tragically claimed the life of one of his constituents.
Alastair, or Ali, Thomas, from Flintshire died in 2018 at the age of 35 from DKA, as a complication of his type 1 diabetes.
Since that time, Ali’s mother Dee has been leading a campaign to raise awareness of the condition , which Mr Isherwood has previously highlighted in the Senedd.
In today’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, he used his ’90 Second Statement’ to further raise awareness of both the condition and the campaign.
He said:
“Monday marked five years since the sad passing of my constituent, Alastair or Ali Thomas, from diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of his diabetes. A singer, songwriter and a loved father, son and brother, he lived every day to the fullest and is greatly missed by his family. His sad passing should not have happened.
“Awareness of DKA has since been his Mother's main priority and now, in her sixth year of campaigning, Dee Pinnington, who, like her son, lives with type 1 diabetes, continues her essential efforts.
“Awareness of DKA is as vital as ever, especially during unprecedented pressures on our health services. Understanding the symptoms and alerting medical services properly, so that they can categorise their help and prioritise an ambulance, can be the difference between life and death.
“Her bilingual leaflet is supported by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Diabates UK Cymru, and today will be shared digitally with General Practitioners across Wales. Campaigners also call for this leaflet or its contents to be available on the NHS Wales app.
“As part of her campaign, Dee Pinnington has arranged a music festival, Ali Fest 2024, in North Wales on Saturday 6 July next year in Ali's memory, with all funds raised donated to Diabetes UK (DUK) Cymru.
“DUK Cymru has sent an e-mail, or, if you haven’t received it, will be sending an e-mail, to extend an invite to you all, because Ali's story should never be repeated.”
