Alexandra Burke appeals for young Welsh diabetes campaigners

X Factor winner Alexandra Burke is calling on young people affected by diabetes in Wales to join leading health charity Diabetes UK's new young campaigners network.

The X Factor winner, whose mother has Type 2 diabetes and had kidney failure last year, is launching Diabetes UK's My Voice campaign to encourage and support young people under the age of 18 to get their views heard by politicians and decision makers.

My Voice campaigners will join together to campaign on issues and challenges faced by young people with diabetes.

This will involve both national and local campaigning to ensure that they are heard by decision makers at all levels across Wales and the UK.

Activities can include sending a letter to your MP, helping your school to understand more about diabetes, or attending a high profile event at the Welsh Assembly.

Alexandra, 21, said: "I fully support Diabetes UK's My Voice campaigners network because I really believe that young people have the power to make a difference.

"The fantastic thing about My Voice is that young people will not only help campaign for real improvements but will have the chance to develop and learn skills, meet new people and have fun doing it too."

Alexandra's mum, Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell, has Type 2 diabetes.

While Alexandra was singing in the final stages of X Factor last year her mum was being treated for kidney failure, just one of the serious complications of diabetes.

My Voice campaigners receive a letter from Alexandra and a free bag containing a badge, stickers and information about campaigning. 

They will also receive regular updates, opportunities and ideas on how to get involved.

Dai Williams, National Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said: "There are currently around 1,000 children and young people with diabetes in Wales.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for them and their friends and family to get involved and make a real difference, working with us to get the care and respect they are entitled to and deserve.

"We are encouraging all young people to join My Voice - so whether you have diabetes yourself or have a friend, brother or sister with the condition, become a My Voice campaigner today."

Diabetes is a serious condition and more than 146,000 people have been diagnosed with the condition in Wales.

A further 50,000 may have the condition and not know it.

If not managed effectively it can lead to serious long-term complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation.

Diabetes UK's mission is to improve the lives of people with diabetes and work towards a future without the condition.

For more information about My Voice, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/MyVoice