Today is an historic moment for JDRF. For the first time ever, we welcomed a member of the royal family to learn about JDRF's research into finding the cure for type 1. HRH Duchess of Cornwall visited the Cambridge Wellcome Trust clinical research facility just after noon today to learn more about type 1 research and to speak to celebrities and young people living with type 1 who have been involved with clinical trials. She met with researchers from the University of Cambridge who are working on developing the Artificial Pancreas and preventing type 1 diabetes and its complications.
HRH spent time with Jeremy Irvine, star of Steven Spielberg’s film, Warhorse who has type 1 diabetes and took part in artificial pancreas trials in 2005 and 2007. He explained how technology helps him manage his type 1 with a hectic filming career.
She also talked to BBC Radio 4 Today Programme presenter Justin Webb and his son Sam who has type 1 diabetes, and discussed the family’s hope for the cure.
The Duchess of Cornwall learned about two JDRF-funded trials. The Artificial Pancreas Project and The Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes Cardio-Renal Intervention Trial (AdDIT).
During the visit, Professor Dunger announced that 3,000 young people have now been screened across three continents as part of this international clinical trial, which is exploring ways to prevent the complications of type 1 diabetes.
Her Royal Highness met Dr Tim Tree and talked about D-GAP, Diabetes – Genes, Autoimmunity and Prevention project, which is exploring the causes and triggers of type 1 diabetes in people affected by the condition.
This visit was a chance for Her Royal Highness to decide how she might like to be associated with JDRF in the future. We are delighted to have had this opportunity to meet her, and look forward to seeing how a relationship might develop with HRH in the future.
Photography by Dominic Clemence