Eric Taviner, 30 from Skewen, near Neath held a 24-hour sponsored gameathon in March, playing Apex Legends - Call of Duty, Counter Strike and other games to raise money and awareness for Diabetes UK Cymru.
Eric was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 16 and his mother Janette, who also had the condition died last summer.
“My mother was an absolute rock when I was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Without her guidance, support and advice, I would have never adjusted to such a dramatic change of lifestyle. She taught me everything she knew to help me cope during the first years of my diagnosis. It was her who noticed the symptoms and supported me when I struggled.
“Now I did this in my mother’s memory and also show others with the condition that they are not alone.”
Type 1 diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition where blood glucose level is too high because the body can't make a hormone called insulin. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump. It is also recommended to follow a healthy diet and take regular physical activity.
“Video games have always been there for me when I have been unwell in the past and became a huge part of my life, allowing me to escape, make amazing friends and also benefit good causes. This time, it meant eevn more to me, as did it for my mum." Eric
Last year Eric raised £1600 for Diabetes UK in a similar gameathon, which has also helped make type 1 diabetes more visible among the gaming community through his challenge reaching around 160 viewers as he hit the 24 hour mark.
Joseph Cuff, Fundraising Officer, Diabetes UK Cymru, said: "Eric keeps on inspiring people by raising funds and awareness of type 1 diabetes, reaching out to others while doing something he loves. We wish him all the best with his 24-hour challenge! The money raised will help fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes”.
