A PRIMARY schoolgirl from Trowbridge has launched a campaign to help children overcome their fear of needles.

Maci Beety was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year and was originally fearful of the injections she has to endure five times a day.

That was until she was introduced to a product that helps diabetics self-inject their insulin.

The campaigning ten-year-old said: “I have something called a Tickleflex, which really helps in my insulin application.

“I have less bruises now and I am not as frightened as I was by the needles!

“It helps to reduce the pain and bruising as I do this around five times a day.”

To mark her one year ‘Diaversary’ Maci organised a ‘Type 1-sie day’ at her school, Paxcroft Primary.

Her friends, who attend Holbrook Primary, also supported her by also holding a ‘Type 1-sie day’ at their school to help towards her fundraising efforts.

Now Maci has raised an incredible two thousand pounds to purchase Tickleflex devices for the RUH children’s ward, helping children with type 1 diabetes inject their insulin.

This will buy nearly 290 Tickleflex application devices for the ward.

She said: “ I am so pleased to raise enough money to reach my target making life easier for young diabetics. I thank all those who have supported me and those who have donated money to the fund.”

Tickleflex attaches to the end of an insulin pen and has a large pad area that acts like a snow shoe and prevents the needle going in too deep.

It holds the needle stable enabling the user to reach further around the body and inject with one hand. The highly textured fingers seem to tickle the skin, hence its name, saturating the local nerves to mask any pain.

Maci also wants to highlight the signs of diabetes and what to look out for, and make sure children see a medical professional if they have some or all of the symptoms.

The main signs are called the four T’s: thirsty, toilet, tired, thin.

Toilet - Going to the toilet a lot, bed wetting by a previously dry child or heavier nappies in babies.

Thirsty - Being really thirsty and not being able to quench the thirst.

Tired - Feeling more tired than usual.

Thinner - Losing weight or looking thinner than usual.

Type1 diabetes is an auto immune condition, mainly developed in childhood, with the actual causes still unknown.

Children and young people getting a quick diagnosis and early treatment, can avoid them becoming seriously ill.