POP 4 Diabetes is a non-profit fundraising organisation that is hosting its 18th ball to raise money for research into diabetes.

This year, the fundraising ball is being held on Saturday 23rd of November at the Marsham Court hotel.

Iris Board created Pop 4 Diabetes after her son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at ten years old.

When her son, Shane, turned sixteen, he decided that he wanted to make a difference to diabetic people’s lives.

Iris said: “He wanted to try turn his situation into something positive because it was really hard living with it.”

Due to Shane being an actor, singer and having an agent, the three of them worked together and came up with the idea for a ball.

The ball was originally a one-off, however the demand was so high, they continued it year after year, celebrating their 18th this year.

Over the eighteen years, Pop 4 diabetes has raised around £130,000.

Iris is hoping for 120 people at the event; however, selling tickets is becoming more difficult due to the cost-of-living crisis.

In an attempt to make up for the loss of people, Iris introduced the idea for people to have their work Christmas parties at the event.

She said: “How can I make money for the charity, it is my world because it means so much to me.

“They get to have their Christmas party, and they get to help us raise money at the same time.”

Alongside this, Iris has recruited the help of celebrities to promote their cause.

She said: “I try to get someone different each year, it’s always a surprise for guests which celebrity it’s going to be.”

Some celebrities that have attended in the past include Steve Norman from Spandau Ballet, Connie Talbot, Cbeebies star Chris Jarvis.

Alongside this, TV shows Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Eastenders have been great supporters of the charity, with tables full of TV guests attending.

For Iris and Shane’s dedication and work for diabetes research they have both been acknowledged and awarded.

Iris won The People’s Person of The Year award by the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation; this was awarded to her by the chairman of Diabetes UK.

Shane won the British citizens Award for volunteering and making the lives of other people with diabetes easier.

Iris states: “I want there to be a day where there’s a world without diabetes, I don’t know how close that is, but its certainly closer than it was when my son got it.

“I will fight until I get there, I am determined, I’m not going to let this fail.”

If you're interested in buying a ticket click here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/pop4diabetes/1059700