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.

"Donna-Meads-Barlow-Justin-Melvey-and-Home-and-Away-supporters-June-2014.jpg"

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

Latest News

  • Sustainability

Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early

Flight Centre and Reforest have hit their inaugural annual target of contributing one million trees – four months ahead of schedule thanks to demand from customers for the agency’s Captain’s Pack. The target was set when the program launched in August 2023 and involves a contribution toward ‘Planting for the Planet’ for every purchase of […]

  • Tour Operators

New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program

APT has launched its Australia 2025 program, showcasing two brand-new cruising experiences and a $5m refurbishment to APT’s exclusive Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. The highlight of 2025 is Seabourn Pursuit, a purpose-built ultra-luxury ship offering all-veranda suites, exceptional dining, and a dedicated Expedition Team for an unparalleled exploration along the Kimberley coast. Also debuting in […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

  • Aviation

Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

  • Hotels

Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]