I am 
Tim Ward, 43 years-old and I have had Type 1 Diabetes for 38 years.
I have been involved in TDFC since January 2018 and was a member of the UK’s first squad to compete at and gain our first international victory DiaEuro!
I took on the role as Goalkeeper for the tournament and having had some amazing training advice and guidance from some of the best in the business such as Tony Elliot and our very own Harley Jean Simpson I managed to keep a clean sheet and helped the team to a 3-0 win against Romania, a team that had previously won the tournament.
I can’t wait to get back to the tournament that last year provided so many amazing memories. These ranged from those spine-tingling moments when you hear your national anthem and sing it loud and proud, the training and being part of a truly professionally managed squad to the games in front of a packed arena. Memories that will stay with me forever.
Being part of TDFC has not only given me the opportunity to live every school kid’s dream and represent their country but also given me an amazing bunch of friends who, share the same experiences with diabetes who support and offer guidance and knowledge about the condition I never have had before.
My outlook on diabetes has changed and for the better. My HBa1C is the best it’s ever been, after talking with the boys in the squad I am now on insulin that suits me and my lifestyle better and I have now had flash glucose monitoring, which without TDFC I would never have asked for at my local NHS.
I have had diabetes for longer than most of the squad have been alive for and I am living proof that you can achieve anything you want. Get your attitude right and Diabetes doesn’t have to stop you.
