A SON has vowed to give up alcohol for a month after being inspired by his father, who is battling diabetes.

Iain Wells, from Basildon, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was just 27.

It was a complete shock to him and his family as he had always been very healthy and athletic and always careful with what he ate.

His son, Matt, said: “I remember my dad counting carbs and being very careful with what he ate when I was growing up and he did his best to look after his health and keep his condition under control.”

Despite Iain, now 63, trying to keep the condition under control, he began to suffer pain in his foot and was diagnosed with Charcot foot, a diabetes-related condition.

This led to him having to spend a year with his leg in a cast to help repair his damaged foot.

Iain, who has been a foster carer for many years, has also had to have a toe amputated and recently went blind in one eye.

Matt said: “He is suffering a number of complications from his diabetes which is hard for him, but at least he can concentrate more on his health.”

Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses taken either by injections or via an insulin pump. Symptoms can include being very thirsty, losing weight and blurred vision.

Matt, 37, is now raising money for Diabetes UK and raising awareness of how devastating the condition can be, by giving up alcohol for a month. He said: “Giving up booze for a month is not really a hardship, but I wanted to do something for him and Diabetes UK. This condition really is a hidden illness and all the research and help he receives really makes a difference.” Donate: justgiving.com/fundraising/Matt-Wells8