A lawyer with type 1 diabetes who has raised hundreds of pounds for research into the condition has landed a new role as chairman of JDRF.
James Cripps (pictured) has taken over the reins of the leading global charity, which funds type 1 diabetes research, from Ian Edwards as chairman of the charity’s board of directors.
Mr Cripps is a longstanding supporter of JDRF and worked as a lawyer for 35 years before retiring in 2013.
His association with the charity began 30 years ago as a lawyer assisting the charity’s incorporation.
Three years later he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and together with his family has taken part in many JDRF events such as Walk to Cure Diabetes in London, including the inaugural Walk in 1997, and he joined the team that climbed Kilimanjaro in 2014.
Karen Addingto, UK chief executive of JDRF, said: “James has been involved with the charity since its first days in the UK and has seen many changes in treatment, research and support over the last three decades.
“We are incredibly lucky that, now that he is taking a step back from his busy and successful legal practice, James is able to devote more time to JDRF.
“The organisation will benefit from his sound business and legal guidance and his personal knowledge of type 1 and empathy with all living with the condition.”
Mr Cripps’s priorities include helping JDRF progress in medical research to cure, treat and prevent type 1- and to assist making treatments developed from the research available to everyone with the condition in the UK.
He also wants to use his role to increase public awareness of type 1 diabetes, which affects around 400,000 people in the UK.
Mr Cripps said: “I have been a supporter of JDRF for many years and have been delighted to see the growth in understanding of type 1 and the improvements in the quality of life for those of us with the condition.
“I have always been particularly impressed by the dedication of our supporters, who have played and continue to play a vital role.
“It is because of them that JDRF has been able to contribute so much and it is their continuing commitment that will drive JDRF’s work forward in our search for a cure.
“I would also like to thank Ian Edwards for his many years of service, latterly as Chairman – and for handing over a charity in such an excellent position to contribute to real progress in the coming years.”
Picture: Charity Today
