Our fourth Thriveabetes conference, on Saturday 19th October in Dublin was, yet again, a resounding success. Thriveabetes is a very unique event in Ireland as it’s organized completely by people living with type 1 diabetes and completely by volunteers who are passionate about making it happen. It is also the people with diabetes who give up their Saturday and their money to attend, that makes Thriveabetes so special.

This year, we had 240 people registered, representing 25 counties. WOW! We had 14 speakers/facilitators, 12 of whom live with type 1 diabetes. The topics covered were broad, however, it was the information that was exchange between all of you where you learned the most.

The Thriveabetes team never waivers in their dedication or passion and certainly don’t get enough credit. They are:

• Ken Barclay and Phil Miesle on Visual technology

• Brian Corrigan with the help of Tim on Sound

• Laura Cooke who ran our social media accounts for the last 6 months and jumped in wherever we needed an extra set of hands on the day.

• Noirin Farren and Vicky Williams, who ran workshops, coordinated the youth programme, recruited the youth volunteers and looked after your children and teenagers. 

• Myself, Grainne, overall coordinator of all information

• Christine Meehan, who managed all things related to our exhibition

• Paula and Philip Short, who coordinated the parents programme, organised online registration and check in, Paula also ran workshops.  

We also want to extend our special thanks to our additional volunteers who helped out on the day:

Check in:

• Caroline and Katie Barron

• Kate Banks and Rebecca Watson

• Some free labour from Theo & Raphi Short, Oisin Campbell, Ciara & Eoin Miesle; making Thriveabetes a family affair.

Our Youth Volunteers:

• Ailsa McGarry

• Lesley O'Hara

• Ciara Wadden

• Evan Farren

• Alan Williams

• Roisin Keegan

• Colette McLaughlin

• JP Dunne

• Abbey O'Keeffe

Thank you also to our exhibitors and sponsors, who contribute to keeping the cost down for our delegates, outshone once again.

Another special thanks to all the staff in Diabetes Ireland who have been with us on this journey since the very beginning and to the support from Diabetes UKNI. 

Most of all though

Thanks to all of you for attending, for your kind and uplifting words and, for your support for lots of years.

See below for some of the photos taken by our fantastic photographer, Damian Dorosz Photography 
Til next time!