Kind-hearted Roma-Larose Sutton-Kirkby, who is nine and has Type 1 diabetes, has written her own ‘mini-book’ to help other children like herself.
Roma was diagnosed in May 2024 and is currently on injection therapy for her diabetes. She is ‘carbohydrate counting’ all her food with her mum Catherine helping, but is researching about pump therapy, and may decide to move on to this in the near future.
Roma came up with ideas for the booklet from her own experiences of diabetes. She passed on her words and drawings to Rachel Jones
Team Lead Paediatric Diabetes Dietitian.
Barnsley Hospital did a home visit shortly after her discharge from hospital. She felt that Type 1 diabetes was not something many people knew about and wanted to do something to help.
The story: ‘The Little Girl Who Got Type 1 Diabetes’ was picked up by Barnsley Hospital Charity who supported the printing of the book written by Roma to help other children with diabetes, recognising its potential to provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of community to young readers facing similar challenges. Thanks to charity administrator Kerrie Hyland and Mark Bell, Comtec Printing who worked closely with Roma to produce a book worthy of any bookshelf.
Roma said: “I wrote the story because I wanted to comfort other people. It helps tell them they can do anything, even though they have diabetes!”
Nicola Moug, SLT & Dietetics Service Manager, said: “Roma is amazing. As a team we were extremely impressed with the booklet and it was something which we felt other families could benefit from.”
Roma lives in Kendray and attends Hunningley Primary Academy. She has two brothers. Her mum Catherine said: “She loves to draw and create things, dancing, and is also starting gymnastics and majorettes. She has told her class about the book and talks to them about diabetes.” Barnsley Hospital is now sharing the book on the wards with children who may benefit from it.