AS the parents of young children with diabetes, Vicki Allcock and Vicki Daunter know the challenges involved in keeping blood sugar levels under control.

But they have now taken on an extra challenge – to raise money for a charity that backs research into Type 1 diabetes in the young, and supports children and parents.

The pair, who became friends after Mrs Daunter’s son, Joshua, six, and Mrs Allcock’s daughter, Olivia, four, were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, are holding a charity night at Newport’s Ferns Club next month, for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

More than three-quarters of the 250 tickets have been sold, and with a line-up of singing talent secured, they hope to raise a decent sum of money.

“We’ve had some good support from businesses donating prizes for the raffle, and we hope it will be a sell-out,” said Mrs Allcock.

“We’re very grateful to everyone who has helped out, particularly the singers, who are giving their services to the cause.”

Those singers – Robb Dee, Tanya Taylor and Newport’s Ruby Parfitt – will be joined by DJ Dave Bayley for the event, on Saturday, March 8, from 7pm.

Joshua and Olivia were diagnosed after falling gravely ill, requiring high-dependency care. Joshua was 14 months old, Olivia two years and eight months.

The JDRF – www.jdrf.org.uk – focuses on funding research to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes, and supports children, adults and parents.

* Tickets, at £5, are available Tuesday-Thursday at Zone Promotions UK Limited, 17-18 High Street, Newport, telephone 01633 215699, or from Vicki Allcock on 07732 655687, or Vicki Daunter on 07962 069406.