Sisters in the limelight

Lydia Parkhurst, aged 19, of Campsall, was diagnosed with the condition when she was 12, after she almost fell into a diabetic coma.

Since then the former Hill House School pupil has been working tirelessly as an ambassador for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation to raise awareness of T1 diabetes.

She has now been asked to be the face of NHS England for young people with T1 diabetes.

As part of her figurehead role, Lydia has been invited to be the inspirational speaker at a discovery day where people can learn more about diabetes and meet others with the condition at Hull University in September.

The Hull University student has previously been a guest speaker at schools and businesses educating pupils and teachers on the symptoms of diabetes and how to deal with the disease in general.

In addition, Lydia was also invited to speak in front of MPs at the House of Commons about her personal experiences with her condition.

Her proud mum Wendy said: “All of these activities are done on a voluntary basis, which Lydia enjoys thoroughly.”

Meanwhile, Lydia’s younger sister Esther, aged 17, is also showing herself to be a high achiever.

The former Hill House School pupil is a top level dinghy sailor and with her racing partner Oliver Groves has recently won a bronze medal for Britain at the Travemunder World Gold Cup in Germany.

The sailing pair beat competition representing 20 different countries in around 800 sailing boats.

Mum Wendy said all the family was proud of her achievement.

She added: “We are all delighted that they have just returned from Germany winning a bronze medal and coming third in a very competitive and tight racing competition. They were the youngest couple sailing their class of boat.”