TWELVE youngsters took on an obstacle course in memory of a friend who died from type one diabetes.

Youngsters from Thurrock took on the challenge to raise funds aSam Meadsnd awareness for charity JDRF in memory of youngster Sam Meads.

The group, consisting of Ashton Byrne, Alfie Rawe, Tyler Rawe, Teddy Rawe, Jamie Snazel, Louis Baker, Maison Carpenter-Prout, Reece Barnett, Jack Warren, Lewis Driver, Billy Baker, Grace Saunders, have raised a staggering £800.

All the youngsters went to school with Sam at East Tilbury Primary School, or were close friends with Sam.

Zoe Rawe, whose three children took part in the run, said: “We were delighted to support JDRF who funding research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.

“It was a touching way to be able to remember Sam who was a lively boy with a wicked sense of humour.

All the children were kitted out in their blue JDRF T-shirts which allowed everyone to see who they were raising awareness for, they even got donations from members of the public on the day.”

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where, for reasons we don’t yet fully understand, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The condition cannot be prevented, and is not linked to lifestyle factors.

Celia Joseph, JDRF’s senior fundraiser for London and the East of England, said: “Congratulations to all the children for taking on this amazing challenge and what a lovely way to remember their friend Sam.

“Without the amazing support from people like them and their families, JDRF would not be able to fund world class type 1 diabetes research here in the UK. We really appreciate their support and for helping us to tackle type 1”.

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. The charity’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications.

To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than £1billion since its inception. The charity collaborates with the most talented minds to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with type 1 diabetes.

For more information, visit jdrf.org.uk or follow @JDRFUK on Twitter. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sammeadmemory