Beth Baldwin has raised over £1,000 for Diabetes UK Cymru in memory of 13-year-old Peter
A MUM has begun 20 miles of walks around Cardiff in memory of her late son – just weeks after giving birth to a baby boy.
Beth Baldwin, from Whitchurch, started her #WalkForDude campaign in Heath Park on Wednesday, December 1 and will finish in Roath Park on Friday, December 10.
The walks have so far raised over £1,000 for Diabetes UK Cymru in memory of Ms Baldwin’s son Peter “Dude” Baldwin, who died aged 13 due to undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes. He would have turned 20 on the final day of the campaign.
“The word ‘pride’ doesn’t cut it. I’m immensely proud,” said Ms Baldwin’s mother Helen Cook, 68, also from Whitchurch.
“People are dying because the signs of Type 1 diabetes are being ignored or not spotted. It’s absolutely vital, what Beth’s doing. She works tirelessly for Diabetes UK Cymru.”
Peter was a student at Whitchurch High School when he passed away. In 2015, Ms Baldwin said: “Peter was everybody’s friend. He was one of those kids who everybody liked and he was always happy and willing to help.”
Diabetes UK’s campaigns raise awareness of the Four Ts – signs of Type 1 diabetes that often go unnoticed. Peter had started to display these before he died, but as he had a chest infection, doctors did not see the link between the symptoms and diabetes.
The Four Ts are:
- Toilet: Going to the toilet more often than usual.
- Thirsty: Being thirsty and unable to quench it.
- Tired: Feeling more tired than usual.
- Thinner: Losing weight or appearing thinner.
Ms Cook said: “Even talking to you now, you can possibly hear in my voice that I find it incredibly difficult to talk about Peter without getting upset. But I want to talk about Peter.”
Ms Baldwin’s walks – two miles every day starting at midday – are especially impressive as she gave birth to baby Finley Freddie Burridge on the 4th of November. Finley is Ms Baldwin’s third child, and her first with her partner, Will Burridge.
She also has a 15-year-old daughter Lia, who helps out with the events. Lia told The Cardiffian: “I am incredibly proud of all the work my mum does. It’s been a real part of the grieving process knowing that Peter can make a difference in people’s lives.
“It’s always been a team effort, all our family and friends help my mum with her events and I know she couldn’t do it without all the support!”
You can donate to the campaign on the #WalkForDude JustGiving page and read more about Type 1 diabetes on the Diabetes UK website. Follow the Remembrance of Peter Baldwin Facebook page for more information about the campaign.
