Sunday night staple, Garry Edwards, has received a commemorative medal from Diabetes UK in recognition of 50 years of managing his condition.

The 63 year old from Stourbridge was awarded the 'Alan Nabarro' medal at Russells Hall Hospital, for his triumph in living with the long-term condition. The Alan Nabarro medal is a special award given to people who have lived with diabetes for 50 years. The father of three, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1966, has seen dramatic changes in diabetes care in the past 50 years. He said:

“I was 14 when I was first diagnosed with diabetes and had to spend 10 weeks in hospital. It wasn’t common for people to have diabetes back then and I felt like my life had come to an end.”

“It is fantastic that times have changed so much that there is now more support available to people living with the condition. Diabetes has never stopped me from living my life and enjoying myself.”

Clinical Service Lead for Diabetes Dr Terence Pang, who presented Garry with his award, added: “A lot of work and discipline goes into managing diabetes and so I am extremely pleased to be able present Garry with this award.”

Garry has been broadcasting locally for many years, presenting shows at Dudley Hospital Radio and 102.5 The Bridge, the fore-runner of what is now Black Country Radio. You can hear his Northern Soul and Motown show, on Sunday evenings from 6pm.

Alex Totney, CEO of Black Country Radio commended Garry's work ethic, saying: "I'd like to congratulate Garry on receiving this award.

"Around 3.5 million people in the UK alone are diabetic with a further half a million estimated to be undiagnosed and those numbers are rising every year.

"It's heartening to see that Garry has not allowed diabetes to negatively affect his life and I hope his positive attitude is an inspiration to others who are coping with the condition."