"TEXT IAN SERVICE HAS POTENTIAL TO SAVE MANY LIVES" - JULIA BACKS LOCAL LAUNCH OF "TEXT IAN" SCHEME

1.00.00pm GMT Tue 10th Feb 2009

A texting service designed to offer to support to insulin dependant diabetics was launched last week at the Penventon Hotel in Redruth.

The scheme was the brainwave of a local woman Maggie Symonds, whose brother Ian died after falling into a diabetic coma. Because he lived on his own, there was no one there to check his safety. Under the new scheme, diabetics are sent a text message at the times they are most at risk - if they fail to respond, "buddies" are contacted to check that they are OK.

The launch was attended by Ian's friends and family, as well as diabetics from across Cornwall, who signed up to a pilot which will evaluate the scheme over the next few months. Julia attended to lend her support to the charity, and donated Tea on the House of Commons Terrace to help with their fundraising efforts.

Commenting, Julia said:

"This new "Text Ian" service has the potential to help many thousands of insulin dependant diabetics live a safe and independent life.

"Out of very difficult personal circumstances, Maggie and her mother Joan have dedicated huge amounts of time and effort into devising and setting up this scheme - and they are due a great deal of praise for what they have already achieved.

"I am full of confidence that this will be a great success, and will do all I can to support them in their efforts. I will be encouraging the Parliamentary Group on Diabetes to investigate and lend it their support, and to do all they can to raise the profile and awareness of this innovative scheme."

To find out more about the scheme, visit http://www.textian.co.uk/ or become a friend on Facebook.