A WEST Somerset schoolgirl has helped to raised £700 for Diabetes UK as part of a month-long fund-raising drive by the charity.

Georgia Watson, aged 14, of Watchet, was diagnosed with type one diabetes in May this year and wanted to do something positive to raise awareness and money for the charity.

So, she signed up to a challenge to walk two miles a day in October for Diabetes UK, which carries out research and looks for new treatments for the condition.

Georgia completed her 62-mile target while on a family holiday at Land’s End during the schools half-term break, and through online sponsorship raised £470.

Her father Niall Watson also hosted a quiz in the Bell Inn, Watchet, which brought in another £170, and with a donation of £60 from landlord Paul Taplin, the total figure rose to £700.

Diabetes UK asked supporters to run or walk two miles a day at their own pace using a tracker sent by the charity, with medals awarded to everybody who raised £100 or more.

A spokesperson said £15 could mean somebody newly diagnosed could receive tailored support and advice, while £100 could help host a community event with healthcare professionals delivering talks on important topics supporting people to live well with diabetes.

Type one diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and can only be treated, not cured.

The four main symptoms to look out for, known as the 4Ts, are:

Anybody who notices any of the signs, should see a doctor for a test immediately.