A memorial to Jeremy Grainger

A memorial to Jeremy Grainger who died on Sunday 17 June 2001

I felt sadness and a sense of loss at hearing of Jeremy's death. While I did not know him very well, I have known him for about twenty years during which time I have been aware of his great commitment to people with diabetes.

Our paths first crossed when he was a helper at the then BDA children's holiday that my daughter attended when she was 7 years old and she is now 31! Jeremy was very committed to trying to help children with diabetes and was a valuable asset because he knew from personal experience, the trials and tribulations of having childhood diabetes.

In more recent years Jeremy became a Trustee of Diabetes UK and I know from the long discussions he had with me that his desire was to try to ensure that the voices of people with diabetes were heard and respected. Like many of us that live with diabetes, he recognised that people with diabetes are individuals with differing needs and he was acutely aware that the needs of everyone have to be understood and met.

As a long time pump user, he was an advocate for people with diabetes to have an informed choice of treatment. On occasions he had the strength to be a lone voice speaking for minority groups within the diabetes community and for this he had my admiration and support. Equally Jeremy was always willing to offer me help and support whenever it was needed, for this I am grateful. He will be sadly missed.

Jenny Hirst
Co-Chairman
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust

Created: August 2001; Last updated: Saturday, August 18, 2001