The Anjool Malde Memorial Trust

My friend Anjool died two years ago, two days before his 25th birthday. He achieved a lot by then, and everyone who knew him expected him to go on to even greater things. The Anjool Malde Memorial Trust supports young people who exhibit aspects of his character and talent so they can fulfil their potential. Jools would say I'm crazy to bike 100 miles for the Trust on my first wedding anniversary, but I am sure he would be proud of the people who are benefiting from its work.

In 2011, the Trust named Kiran Hungin, who performs as Mary at Midnight, its Musical Talent of the Year. By complete coincidence, Miss Hungin also works in my office building in London. It’s deeply gratifying to see first-hand how the Trust is making a difference!

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

I’ve had type 1 diabetes for over 18 years so the work of the JDRF means a lot to me. My insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor can’t manage my diabetes for me, but they make it a lot easier to live with. The JDRF’s Artificial Pancreas Project is bringing together the best academic and industry research teams to develop the “holy grail” of a true artificial pancreas.

A few years ago I read a blog by a pancreas transplant recipient about the first meal she ate without thinking of the carbohydrates, her blood glucose level or how much insulin to take. I certainly get by with my carbohydrate counting, correction factors and carb:insulin ratios but I got really emotional when I read that blog. Someday I’ll write a blog like that, thanks to your support for the Artificial Pancreas Project.