Travel industry gets behind major diabetes fundraiser

Travel industry gets behind major diabetes fundraiser
By admin


The travel industry has banded together in support of the Danii Meads-Barlow Foundation, an organisation fundraising for Australians with diabetes.

Helloworld, Virgin Australia and Spencer Travel pitched in to support the Jelly Bean Ball, held in honour of 17-year old Danii Meads-Barlow, who fell victim to ‘Dead in Bed’ syndrome –  a growing problem facing an estimated 150,000 Australians with type 1 diabetes.

More than 440 representatives, including many from the travel industry, attended the event which raised an estimated $200,000.

“Danii is just one of an unfortunately growing list of Australians who are struck down by a sudden spike in insulin levels while asleep,” Danii's mothe, Donna Meads-Barlow said.

“We want to make sure every family in Australia dealing with type 1 diabetes and the risk of ‘Dead in Bed’ syndrome doesn’t have to go through the tragedy that our family has had to endure.”

Australian actor Justin Melvey, who has a long standing personal commitment to raising awareness about diabetes, was announced as the first celebrity ambassador of the Danii Meads-Barlow Foundation.

Melvey spoke of a need for greater awareness of type 1 diabetes, including the foundation’s goal of subsidising life-saving alarm technology that is currently too expensive for most families.

“Tonight has been a huge success and I’d especially like to thank all those who have contributed their financial support, prizes and their time, including our major sponsors helloworld, Virgin Australia, and Spencer Travel,” Donna Meads-Barlow said.

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Donna Meads-Barlow, Justin Melvey and Home and Away supporters at the Jelly Bean Ball

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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