Hi Everyone, firstly a MASSIVE THANKS for all your input. I've just read all the comments again tonight to refresh my memory. Amazing feedback which has spurred me on even more. But that's all I would ever expect from this fantastic forum and it's totally awesome members.
I have an update for you. I have been doing a little work behind the scenes with help from
@Rachox and
@shelley262 and have some BRILLIANT news.
I told the press team at Diabetes.co.uk that in just a week I had received an amazing response and once the word spreads I'm positive we will get even more on board.
DIABETES.CO.UK PRESS OFFICE ARE RIGHT BEHIND US TAKING THIS IDEA FORWARD (DCUKMOD LIKENED IT TO A 'MOVEMENT' - I LOVE THAT AS IT IMPLIES THINGS MIGHT CHANGE) AND WANT TO HELP US COORDINATE AN EVENT.
I did say I could take photos with my new brilliant Samsung s9 and selfie stick (you would be surprised just how many people you can get in the picture with these!) but thankfully they have an
inhouse videography team who can do the filming and photography at the event (but it's always good to have a plan B!).
They will also make contact with the
press to see who they can get there. This would be great for spreading the low carb word.
WHERE
I confirmed our preference for a meeting point would be
Birmingham as this would be central for anyone commuting and this suits them also which is great.
WHEN
We discussed a
dates and it seems weekends work well for them and
Saturday the
29th September has been provisionally agreed. This gives us over 2 months to get an
agenda together. This is a team effort and please
FEEL FREE TO THROW IDEAS IN THE POT. September was the month suggested by our press team and 29th was most suitable date.
WHO
Wouldn't it be great to open the event up to all members, anyone who wants to attend. Not just people who have managed to reverse their condition, put it into remission, are controlling well, but also those who haven't yet achieved all their goals and are a work in progress. Or anyone who just wants to learn or feel a bit inspired. Or just come along to support. Also for those that can't make it they can add input, provide before and after photos, write down their personal journeys. We may have a board there to pin things on with any luck. Friends and family. Maybe even the public??!!
EMINENT FIGURES??
I'm thinking Dr David Unwin is a local GP (North West) and we could invite him along. Maybe he might do a short talk! (I can dream). Other names have been mentioned, Dr Michael Mosley, Aseem Malhotra, Rangam Chattergee and Zoe Harcombe. But there are many others. All very busy people no doubt but you don't ask you don't get my mum used to say.
THE AGENDA
- We could make a day of it or at least half a day!
- Already I have volunteers who are going to bake cakes (low carb obviously)
- Maybe we could print off some popular recipes to have as handouts? as well as other info handouts that might be helpful.
- No eating until after the photoshoot of course (teehee)! Anyone that can come with their old clothes that are too big would be great, we can change in the loo for a BIG photo (pun intended).
- How about a cardboard cutout of some kind volunteer. A before cut out. For them to stand next to for photo. I've seen this done but not sure how doable this is expense wise.
- Before and after photo section
- Keynote speaker kicking things off with summary of weight loss/HBA1c levels and a little about the LCHF woe. Explanation of how much sugar is in every day foods (many of my friends have been totally shocked when I tell them sugar is in particular foods ie potatoes, rice, pasta bread etc. Education required. I was in the dark before my diagnosis. Maybe look at the eat well plate? Maybe graphs (dojn't even ask me but there are members who love a graph and a spreadsheet! You know who you are).
- Flip charts (am I getting carried away here?)
- section on finger pricking and how important it is for BS management - self funding issues - low incomes/benefits - suggestion that they need to be given to anyone with HBA1c over 41 - expensive at the outset but could save NHS millions - we can confirm the freebies details on info sheets, could we get those companies behind us - discounted strips etc
- more advice to be given at the outset as to the possible complications of BS when not controlled. No emphasis out on this at the moment and people just think that the tablet will sort the problem
- talk a little about cholesterol and the effects the HF part of this diet can have
The above are just thoughts. Please feel free to add your own thoughts. I have never done anything like this before and it is a learning curve.
Not sure where this will lead but even if it just ends up with us having a big meeting that in itself is an enormous positive. We can actually meet the people who have helped and inspired us over the weeks/months and even years.
tagging in other interested parties for info -
@xfieldok @bigsi1984 @carol43 @Mbaker @NicoleC1971 @DCUKMod @smw99 @Crocodile @Resurgam @bulkbiker @Tipetoo @Goonergal @Guzzler @jayney27 @DJC3 @ianpspurs @Terrytiddy @geefull @eggs11 @HSSS @rainbow79 @GrumpyOldPhart @Shirley N.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD FAR AND WIDE - THANKS
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN ATTEND OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUT SOME INPUT TO THE MEETING NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL.
IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO TURN THE TITANIC BUT WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO GIVE IT A NUDGE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
Debra
