SINCE he began volunteering 27 years ago, Stuart Grime has seen his fund-raising efforts make a tangible difference to those suffering from diabetes, including his own son, Robert.

The 74-year-old retired advertising representative, pictured, and his wife Glenys, a 74-year-old former nursery nurse, are both committee members of Diabetes UK North Staffordshire Voluntary Group.

Over the years, the couple have volunteered at a range of events including concerts, jumble sales and dances and have hosted a garden party at their house in Old Hill Close, Talke Pits, on the first Sunday of June for the past 22 years.

Mr Grime said: "The most rewarding thing about my voluntary work is the improvements we've seen.

"There have been tremendous changes over the years. When Robert was first diagnosed, we had great big glass syringes, now we have disposable ones.

"We used to have to inject animal insulin, now we have human insulin. There's a better range of tablets and a general improvement in diabetes care.

"It's all good for people with diabetes and I like to think our efforts have funded research for the developments."

Mr Grime was chairman of the committee for 15 years, and has done a five-year stint as treasurer as well as being an active committee member.

Current chairman Chris Bloor recognises Mr Grime's hard work and has nominated him for a Sentinel Our Heroes award in the category of Charity Champion.

Mrs Bloor said: "I'd like to nominate Stuart because he's been so devoted for so many years.

"Stuart has been treasurer, chairman and has offered so much support.

"He and Glenys are active every week doing something for the group."

Mr Grime's involvement with the charity began when son, Robert, now aged 42, was diagnosed as a diabetic.

Mr Grime said: "It was 1982 and we had gone on holiday down to Windsor with our touring caravan.

"Robert kept running to the toilet and we knew that something wasn't right."

"Obviously we'd heard of diabetes, but we didn't know anything about it.

"We brought him home and the doctor referred him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with diabetes."

The following February, Mr Grime went along to his first meeting at the Newcastle Diabetic Society, which went on to become the Diabetes UK North Staffordshire Voluntary Group.

Mr Grime is still eager to get people involved.

He said: "We'd like to think the service we give at North Staffs is a good one and I would hope that people would come along and support it.

"We always need people on the committee and volunteers are very precious people."

Anyone who is willing to help out is urged to contact the committee secretary David Scott, 01782 861690.