Jack Tofts, 84, is one of 185 people to receive the Lawrence medal from Diabetes UK.

He is one of just 185 people to have received the Lawrence medal from Diabetes UK in recognition of over 60 years using insulin.

Jack was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes two years after his war service ended in 1946.  He currently injects insulin twice a day and does four blood tests a day. 

Over the years Jack has injected himself with insulin around 45,000 times and tested his blood over 90,000 times. 

Despite having Type 1 diabetes, Jack has never let having the condition hold him back.  He used to Chair the Southampton voluntary group and with his wife, Dot, organised holidays for the group to Blackpool and Scarborough. 

Jack and Dot have been married 41 years.

Jack said:"Having diabetes has been a big part of my life, but my wife has been a huge support to me and between us we have always managed to keep it under control.  As Chair of the Southampton Diabetic Association I met many people who had the condition and organised holidays for them. 

"Diabetes UK has always provided excellent support for people with the condition. I’m glad to say that having diabetes has never stopped me doing anything and the equipment is much better now than when I was diagnosed 61 years ago."