A PAIR of caring mothers whose children live with life-threatening diabetes are battling to raise awareness of the condition.

Mari Hart, of Lee Road, Dovercourt, said it was “horrendous” when her daughter Ella, aged seven, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

She was diagnosed on her second birthday after going into diabetic ketoacidosis.

Ella could barely breathe, suffered almost constant vomiting and was on the verge of death.

“As it had gone undiagnosed and Ella’s blood had such a high amount of glucose, it had become a life-threatening medical emergency,” said Mari.

“Ella remained on the high dependency unit for two days and stayed in hospital for a total of five days.

“Had we as parents known the signs and symptoms, we may have been able to get an earlier diagnosis and not almost lost our daughter.”

Type 1 diabetes sufferers need multiple daily injections or pump infusions to stay alive.

Mari has joined forces with Sarah Newman, a close friend since the age of nine, to raise money and awareness to fight the condition.

Sarah’s son Alex, 13 ,was diagnosed with diabetes in March, but thanks to her awareness of the condition, she was able to have him quickly tested.

Mari said caring for her daughter was a constant battle of balance, as it was essential to count the carbohydrates of all food and drink consumed.

“Taking care of yourself and maintaining this constant balance is a 24/7 job,” she said.

They are organising an afternoon tea to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

It will take place at Long Meadow Community Centre, in Dovercourt, from 2pm to 4pm on August 27.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £6 for children, available on 07728386320.