Home   News   Article

Dingwall school pupil is 'a great role model' for living with Type 1 diabetes former Highland Labour MSP David Stewart tells her


By Gregor White

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Former MSP David Stewart presented Chloe MacAllister with flowers as thanks for her efforts to educate others about her condition.
Former MSP David Stewart presented Chloe MacAllister with flowers as thanks for her efforts to educate others about her condition.

Two diabetes campaigners from different ends of the age spectrum have set the wheels in motion for a joint-working action plan.

Former Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart, who retired ahead of the Scottish elections, forged an alliance with Chloe MacAllister (9), a Type 1 sufferer who has been spreading the word on the much-misunderstood form of the disease.

The Dingwall Primary pupil, who also plays for the local Soccer 7s club, inspired a superhero-themed day of events at her school, sharing a podium with star guest and fellow Type 1 sufferer, Commonwealth Games cyclist and ultra-marathon runner Roddy Riddle.

She hopes to organise future fundraising events and support other pupils at the school who have been diagnosed.

The youngster, who lives at Fraser Road, Dingwall, with mum Melissa, dad Craig and seven-year-old brother Ryan, said: “I would like to help them understand why we need to do our blood sugars and let them know they can talk to me, because when you're little you don’t understand as well as older children and it gets really confusing.”

Chloe MacAllister with brother Ryan.
Chloe MacAllister with brother Ryan.

Chloe needs to test her blood before she eats anything and uses an insulin pump.

She needs to consider the number of carbohydrates she takes in and facts ranging from the temperature to levels of excitement in her day to day thinking to ensure she stays in balance.

Mr Stewart, who co-chaired the Scottish Parliament’s Diabetes Cross Party Group and was twice-crowned Diabetes Champion, met Chloe recently to tell her she was “a great role model” and “worth your weight in gold”.

He said: “What better teacher for other youngsters newly-diagnosed than someone like you who knows what it feels like to have this condition, but who manages through self-determination to show others that it is possible to live life to the full?

“You are an aspiring young leader Chloe, you have shown real strength and you really do have the capacity to improve the lives of others.”

Chloe MacAllister.
Chloe MacAllister.

He added: “I aim to continue my campaigning work for diabetes research and awareness long after my retirement. I want you to know that you will always have my full support.”

Speaking afterwards, mum Melissa said: “Chloe was really excited to meet David. She won’t forget this, we’re very grateful to him. We are just all so proud.”

"Coe has been through such a lot but she’s still smiling. We always say she’s our hero.”

Mrs MacAllister said dealing with diabetes was a challenge but Dingwall Primary School staff are an enormous help.

She said: “We are so fortunate; the school has got four fantastic pupil support assistants who supervise Chloe while she is doing her blood sugars and they know how to assist her when her bloods are low. They attend training sessions and they’re really supportive for us as a family.”

Angela Mitchell, drector of Diabetes Scotland, said: “Dave Stewart has long been a champion for people living with all types of diabetes in Scotland. So it’s great to see he’s continuing this work – and inspiring a new generation! We know how tough it can be growing up with type 1 diabetes, so to hear that Chloe is not only managing this but supporting others is truly inspiring.

"We agree with mum, Chloe – you’re a hero.”


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More