Parents and children at St Christopher School in Letchworth have raised £5,358 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Mum Nicola Hill nominated the charity to be the beneficiary of the money raised at the annual charity summer ball as her daughter – who is at the school – lives with type 1 diabetes.

Nicola said: “The St Chris’ charity ball arranged by the Parents’ circle was a great night out for parents and staff and raised an amazing amount for JDRF.

“We were overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the school community. The money will help JDRF in its work to improve the lives of children with type 1 diabetes and in its search for a cure.”

JDRF is a global organisation which funds research for type one diabetes in children, with the aim of accelerating life-changing breakthroughs in finding a cure, preventing and treating the condition.

Type 1 diabetes affects about 29,000 children in the UK. It is an autoimmune condition which cannot be prevented and is not linked to lifestyle.

People living with the condition rely on multiple insulin injections or pump infusions every day in order to survive.

A child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of five faces up to 19,000 injections and 50,000 fingerprick blood tests by the time they are 18.

Headteacher Richard Palmer said: “We were delighted to support our parents’ circle hosting the charity summer ball.

“Not only did the ball provide a great social and community occasion for our parents, but by raising such a substantial amount for charity they have helped support the work of JDRF to find a cure for this chronic, life-threatening condition that has a lifelong impact on those diagnosed with it and their families.”

The summer ball was held in July and attended by parents and children at St Christopher School. The evening included a three-course meal and dancing, with funds being raised with a charity auction.

For more information about Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation see jdrf.org.uk.