14/10/2026
On World Mental Health Day, Bruce kindly shared his story of living with the complications of diabetes. He has found a purpose in helping others who may be struggling.
His full story is on the Diabetes UK website
⚠️ TW: Diabetes-related complications, sight loss and organ transplant
Bruce was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged five, after his mum noticed he was showing many of the 4Ts (Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner).
At 16, Bruce took on more responsibility for his diabetes care, but a “bad experience” moving to adult services stopped him attending appointments for five years.
During this time, his health declined. He developed diabetic retinopathy and kidney failure, eventually losing his sight completely. Then, at 28, he received a kidney and pancreas transplant.
Despite this, as Bruce learned to adapt to a new life, he found “purpose in helping others who may also be struggling.”
He said: “Losing my sight and getting the transplant has given me the opportunity to enjoy life for what I have, who I have and what I do. Life is so precious.”
After attending college and learning to use a computer with screen-reading software, Bruce worked for a sight impairment charity before moving to his current role at a mental health charity.
He’s also learned to find balance managing his diabetes and feel less worried about being judged.
“It’s a full-time job having diabetes, but I’m not doing it alone. I have my wife, my son, and my healthcare team. Medical advancements over the last 25-30 years have been enormous and so significant in helping people living with diabetes feel more supported.”
“For me, while living with diabetes-related complications can have its really tough days, it's also given me an incredible appreciation for what I do have.”
Please join us in thanking Bruce for sharing his story this . This year's theme is all about lived experience being heard, and Bruce's story shows just how important positive experiences are in managing health, and how sharing the difficult parts of living with diabetes can help others feel less alone.
