First-class idea gives teacher a close shave

AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager with diabetes has put his own worries aside to help others with the disease.

Ben Brown, 14, of Grimsby, has organised a series of events over the next few weeks to raise awareness and money for blood sugar detection dogs.

CLOSE SHAVE: Ben Brown, 14, came up with the idea to shave off assistant principal Roland Ward's beard. Picture: Michelle Adamson.

Currently the Medical Detection Dogs charity, which supplies the specially-trained canines, has a five-year waiting list with 30 people on it nationally.

This is because the charity relies on public funding to maintain each dog, which costs on average £10,000 throughout its lifetime.

Those suffering aggressive diabetes or low awareness can be eligible for a blood sugar detection dog as they can prompt a person to check blood sugar levels and take action before the need for acute medical assistance arises.

RAISING MONEY: From left, Grimsby Town player Louie Soares, personal social development manager at Cambridge Park Carole Howard, assistant principal Roland Ward, pupil and organiser Ben Brown and Grimsby Town player Ian Miller.

To raise awareness of this, the Cambridge Park Academy pupil's first event last week saw Grimsby Town football players Ian Miller and Louie Soares swap balls for a razor as they shaved off the beard of senior assistant principal Roly Ward.

Mr Ward has displayed facial hair for the past 40 years, shaving it off completely only twice before this event.

Ben came up with the idea during a French lesson when the class discussed various charities.

He said: "Having diabetes myself I know the importance of regularly checking my blood levels and just how quickly they can drop.

"These dogs are important to people's lives so money needs to be raised in order for them to be available.

"I am looking forward to more events that I have organised."

Over the next few weeks pupils at the school will take part in a sponsored silence, fancy dress day and face painting to raise more money towards the cause.

Carole Howard, the school's personal social development manager, said: "It is remarkable at the age of 14 for someone to think so much about others.

"Ben is a very special boy with a big heart who wants to give back for the medical help he has received over the years.

"As his school we are delighted to get behind his efforts and support the work he wants to do.

"We can not raise anything close to what each dog would cost but we hope Ben's events help towards the overall cost."

Ian Miller said: "I think we enjoyed shaving the teacher more than the children did.

"It is very important that we help support events like these, as many young people within the town look up to us because of our career.

"To take half an hour out of our day to do something like this is great.

"I hope Ben raises a lot of money through his events."

Mr Ward is now contemplating keeping a clear face as he believes it makes him look younger.

His mum suffers from diabetes but he is thankful she is in control of it and has people around her, something others living with the condition are not as lucky to have.

He said: "I would do anything to help Ben out, he is a terrific boy. Some of the children at this school have little themselves but want to give a lot to others.

"The children have dyed my hair various colours in the past for charity which they thoroughly enjoyed.

"The blood sugar detection dogs are unique and more awareness needs to be made about them."