Inside story of a young Whanganui diabetic

Among the "weird and wonderful creations" and costumed characters entered in Saturday's River Raft Race was 10-year-old Whanganui diabetic Craig Brock.

The fun river event was aimed at raising money and awareness for kids like Craig and the many other youth diabetics in Whanganui.

Plumber Dan Goldsworthy organises the race to generate valuable funds to a local charity - in previous years Plunket has benefited - and this year all proceeds will be donated to Whanganui Youth with Diabetes.

Craig's mother, Toni Wakeling, said it was amazing to see all the effort that had been put into the event and the community support that came with it.

"It was just really cool to see because the more funding diabetes groups can get, the more help people suffering with diabetes can get."

Ms Wakeling said her son Craig was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was 3 years old.

"It's a horrible disease that requires constant monitoring.

"For the first seven years he was having six or seven finger pricks a day to check his blood sugar, and injections four to five times a day when he ate," she said.

Ms Wakeling said it had been extremely tough on him but he had been so brave throughout.

"A few months ago the Government issued him an insulin pump so he no longer needs injections which has made life a bit easier and a bit less painful for him."

A small needle is inserted into the body and a pump regulates the amount of insulin that goes into the body.

Ms Wakeling said it was an $8000 piece of equipment but meant he only needed to change the line every three days.

"The pump is programmed to his requirements because, unfortunately, every diabetic has different needs."

Linda Carter, chairwoman of the Whanganui branch of Diabetes NZ and mother of two diabetics, said they had not counted Saturday's takings yet, but she estimated $1600 was raised by the gala at Kowhai Park before the race.

"The money will go towards getting these kids to the annual diabetes youth camp and help to pay for families transport to the various community events," Ms Carter said.

On Saturday all Craig's worries were forgotten as he enjoyed the excitement of the race.

Ms Wakeling said it was the first time their family had entered in the race, but they would do it again next year for sure.

"My brother very bravely took the motor off his boat and they gave it a go while I watched from the sidelines, and it all went really well.

"They did start a war with the Lady Buoys with their water guns not realising they had a bucket of eggs."