Over £1,200 raised for diabetes charity by nine-year-old Harley

NINE year old Harley Earl and a North Yorkshire care home teamed up to raise over £1,200 to support those living with type 1 diabetes.

Harley, who has been living with the condition since he was 15 months old, was the VIP for a fundraiser at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, on Randolph Street, Saltburn.

As the grandson of care assistant Denise Keeler, Harley has been visiting the home for years, becoming popular with the residents.

Harley joined those at the home for the fundraising event, which took place on World Diabetes Day and coincided with the 100^th anniversary of the Nobel prize for the discovery of insulin, awarding to Scottish biochemist John Macleod and Canadian scientist Sir Frederick Banting in 1923.

Games included a raffle, name the doll, and how much lego in a jar, as well as a cake stall. The event raised £1228.25 for JDRF, which supports those with type 1 diabetes.

Harley said: “I was so happy with how many people donated prizes, bought raffle tickets and made charity for JDRF. Thank you everyone. I had a lovely day.”

Denise said: “Harley is so popular with our residents and loves coming into the home and playing games and colouring in with them. He knows them all by name now.”

Resident Joyce Tibbett, 89, said: “What a great afternoon. It was a pleasure to help Harley raise money for JDRF. He is such a lovely little boy and we look forward to him visiting us in the home.”

Joyce Wooffindin, 82, said: “Harley always has a smile on his face, despite living with type 1 diabetes. We are so glad we raised such a lot of money for JDRF.”

Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: “I think it was brilliant how everyone in the home came together to support this cause.

“Families, friends and staff donating prizes and baking shows that at Hazelgrove we’re not just a care home but a family. Denise should be very proud of Harley.”