Family and friends rally in support of Diabetes awareness in Gunnedah

When Daniel Roberts lost his sister Tracey to the long-term effects of Type 1 diabetes late last year, he felt driven to create more awareness about the disease and the distance country patients must travel for dialysis and treatment

Described by Dan as “a bit of a crazy idea” while talking to his sister Karen when Tracey was hospitalised after having her leg amputated, Dan hatched a plan that went far beyond his original thought.

“I said I was going to run from Tamworth Hospital to Curlewis because that’s how far Tracey had to travel three times a week for treatment,” Dan said.

“Well, the idea started to grow and we decided to make a day of it for anyone who might like to join in.”

As a result of discussions with the family, the Facebook page FiftyONE Awareness was born and in no time, it had grown to more than 200 members.

Last Saturday Dan was joined by runners, cyclists and walkers at various times as he set off at midnight and slogged his way around the oval.

Family and friends travelled from Queensland and across NSW, in memory of Tracey – cousins, nieces and nephews, aunties and uncles and Tracey’s wide circle of friends.

Others who could not be there on the day ran, walked or cycled in their own home town adding to the volumes of support for the day of awareness and movement.

The barbecue sizzled with bacon and egg rolls and sausage sandwiches, with the urn bubbling away for hot drinks as the rising sun beamed warm rays of sunshine over the participants. Those who weren’t able to walk lined up ringside to clap and cheer.

Tracey pictured after losing her leg to diabetes – she was positive about her recovery and learning to walk with a prosthesis.

With the sandy track a little spongy because of weeks of rain, it was hard going in some areas but the encouragement of those around him kept Dan going, while his sister Karen and husband Lindsay Mainey cycled a total of 90km and sister Cindy Brien notched up 20km walking laps.

“We have started this to keep the conversations and connections going since we lost Trace,” Dan said.

“In short, this group was built on the back of conversations I had with Trace during her time in hospital last year.

“She said several times that when she recovered and was released from hospital, she wanted to spread awareness of diabetes to as many people as she could, particularly to young people and those living in rural and remote locations – so here we are on her behalf.”

Dan has always had a keen interest in fitness and his own health so it seemed like a good way to spread awareness and encourage people to get moving.

In the lead-up to the gathering, Dan posted statistics about Diabetes and other general information including fitness tips as everyone prepared for August 23 and beyond.

Tracey pictured with her family – Ossie, Jason and Abby – celebrating her 50th birthday in 2023.

So why FiftyONE Awareness?

“Trace was 51 years old when she passed, Type ONE Diabetes was a constant for her and there is the 51 connections with our family home in Curlewis – equals FiftyONE Awareness,” Dan said.

“We believe it is important to keep this wish going for Trace by getting information out regarding diabetes, and to also continue the conversations and connections with all our family and friends.

“The first step on this journey has begun. What started as a simple idea turned into an awesome day out at the Gunnedah Showground.

“It was not about how far you could walk.

“It was about spending time together, talking, connecting, and keeping already established connections going.”

The awareness and movement day was never about raising money, however, donations started rolling in, even from people Dan had worked with in Alice Springs and Darwin who had never met Tracey.

“We were overwhelmed with the generosity of people so I contacted the renal unit in Tamworth to ask for suggestions,” Dan said.

“Now a total of $6350 has been raised and it will go directly to the renal unit to help patients undergoing dialysis, suffering from kidney disease and or/are recovering from serious injury.

“We are so grateful to everyone for their participation, generosity and enthusiasm.”

Two nurses from the renal unit also took part on the day and were warmly welcomed by Tracey’s family members. They too had become like family after Tracey’s long stay in hospital.

It was an emotional scene as Dan Roberts walked off the running track for the last time and other participants formed a guard of honour clapping and cheering.

The daughter of Cathy and Fred Roberts, Tracey grew up in Curlewis with her sisters Cindy and Karen and brother Daniel, and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 15.

She went on to complete a hairdressing apprenticeship and created her own family with children Abby and Ossie and their dad Jason, who were overwhelmed with the love and support of so many.

As she battled complications from her ongoing illness Tracey’s mantra was always “look at tomorrow because you can’t change yesterday”.