Hundreds join together in Hayling to put up fight against diabetes for young boy

The sponsored walk took place on Hayling Island seafront and was organised by the family of Morgan Wheller (pictured with his mum Faye) who has Type 1 diabetes.

The walk was organised to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) – a charity which supports people with Type 1 diabetes.

Morgan’s family, who live in Charleston Close on the island, wanted to support both Morgan and many other children who suffer from the condition.

Dad Mark Wheller, 45, said: ‘It’s incredibly important. Approximately one in 500 children will have Type 1 diabetes. It’s becoming more relevant.

‘The research that is going on is incredible. JDRF sponsors a lot of research and there is stuff that is happening now which will be in place in a couple of years and will really make a massive difference to people’s lives.

‘The walk was brilliant. It’s the first time we’ve done it and we are really chuffed with the turnout.

‘I’m new to the island, I’ve only been here a few years but I know quite a few people on the island and some local businesses have dug in deep and given us prizes and sponsorship money.

‘It’s been really good.’

Mum Faye Wheller, 33, added: ‘It’s amazing. It’s absolutely fantastic. We were hoping there would be quite a few people here.

‘Our first priority is to raise funds for JDRF because there are a huge number of projects which are close to making a big difference.

‘It’s really touching for us. There are people who I have never met or seen before but have come along because they want to support it.’

Ali Kingsley, the senior regional fundraiser for JDRF in the south, said: ‘It’s absolutely fantastic. The family have organised this entirely on their own.

‘They have attracted lots of people. This will make a huge difference.’