Widower starts fundraising fight after grandson's diabetes shock
A Black Country grandfather whose wife died of a diabetes-related problem has launched a fundraising battle against the disease after his grandson was diagnosed too.
Mick Russell's wife, Tina, died in 2006 aged 41. She had been battling type 1 diabetes for 20 years.
Mr Russell, of West Bromwich, thought the family's nightmare was over but now his eight-year-old grandson Tyler, from Walsall, has been diagnosed with diabetes.
To mark his 51st birthday on Friday, Mr Russell held the first of a series of fundraising nights to support Diabetes UK, raising £250. The evening of music took place at The Wheatsheaf in Carters Green, West Bromwich.
The fundraising night included Tipton entertainer Just Bev and "draw master" Phil Ruston, from West Bromwich.
ed a relatively normal life until her condition deteriorated and for the last six years of her life she was in and out of hospital.
However, now the family are facing the whole ordeal again after Tyler collapsed in the summer.
Retired salesman Mr Russell said: "It was complete shock. We thought we had gone through that horror struggle in our lives but now we might have to go through it again.
"At least he is more aware of what happened. He has already said he is determined not to go to sleep like nan."
Mr Russell is hoping to raise £1,000 for Diabetes UK from his events. The second one is yet to be organised.
