The children’s diabetes team from United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust have just returned to their clinics after taking 19 children from Lincoln, Sleaford, Boston, Skegness and Grantham to the farm near Wragby.
The annual residential trip saw the youngsters, aged between seven and 10 years old, help out by feeding the animals, mucking out the pens and learning how to look after the animals. They also got to spend the night away from home in the care of the children’s diabetes doctors and nurses.
For William it was his third time taking part in the residential. He said: “It’s been brilliant. I have met lots of other children with diabetes and I have loved looking after the animals. We also got to make sausages which we are going to have for our breakfast. Yum!”
Team Leader for the diabetes nurse team, Helen Warhurst, said many of the children may not have been able to come if it wasn’t for a generous donation from the Sleaford and District Lioness Club.
Helen said: “The children have had a fantastic time. Many of them don’t know any other children their age that are living with diabetes and having to manage their condition every day. By coming away together it is a great way for them to make new friends and realise that they are not alone.
“For lots of these children it is the first time they have stayed away from home overnight, which is a big milestone for them and their parents as well. It really helps to build their confidence and also a little independence.
“None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the Sleaford and District Lioness Club. We cannot thank them enough.”
Paediatric Consultant Dr Tanya Naydeva-Grigorova added: “It has been really lovely to watch them come out of their shells, making new friends and realising that they are not the only ones their age with the same condition.
This experience has been more valuable to them than almost anything we can teach them about their diabetes.”