4Uth 2016 winners
Mansfield winner: George Dove
George, 18, from Mansfield, was nominated for the awards by county councillor Colleen Harwood.
For a number of years, George has devoted much of his time to campaigning and fundraising for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Around five years ago, as an ambassador for the foundation, he was invited to meet Joe Biden at Capitol Hill to talk about the campaign and his experiences. He has spoken at countless events about the subject, including at the GMB conference in Eastbourne.
George was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 8 years old. Type 1 diabetes is a condition which requires daily injections of insulin and is usually associated with children and young people. George has not let diabetes overwhelm him and since being diagnosed he has worked tirelessly and successfully to raise money for JDRF.
JDRF is a global charity organisation which funds research and develops equipment to support those suffering with Type 1 diabetes.
Councillor Harwood said: “Over the years George has raised thousands of pounds for JDRF and has also played an important role in raising awareness through speaking at conferences. He has been an ambassador for JDRF and has even been to Capitol Hill in America to raise the profile of the organisation.
“George is also very committed to campaigning for the provision of specialist insulin pumps for children and young people. These allow people to be involved in more activities and are designed to ensure that they are excluded less and less from the sort of things people without diabetes take for granted.
“George still lives with this illness but has never let it stop him, he is now learning to live as a young adult with diabetes and has overcome so much to get to where he is now.”
George lives with dad Jason, 49, mum Emma, 46 and sister Libby, 16, was a student at The Brunts Academy and is currently doing an engineering apprenticeship at Glenair in Mansfield.
Dad Jason said: “We are very proud of George as he has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of this issue. He was eight when he was first diagnosed with it, and we wanted to learn more about it and things have just developed from there. It is wonderful news that he has been recognised through the annual 4Uth awards.”
