Who We Are
DRWF is a registered charity (No. 1070607) and company limited by guarantee (3496304) set up in 1998 to raise awareness of all types of diabetes and associated complications; provide information and support to promote good self-management and to enhance quality of life.
Whilst funding vital diabetes research to establish the causes, prevention and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes; develop improved management and treatment options; and ultimately find a cure, we aim to ensure that people have access to the right information and support to develop a proactive self-care approach to successful self-management, to ensure that they are "staying well until a cure is found..."
Our History
DRWF was established in the USA in 1993 by two people with a very personal connection with type 1 diabetes. Having two children diagnosed with the condition made for a commitment and dedication to the cause from Mike Gretschel and his business partner, John Alahouzos, that has never wavered and remains true to its original desire - to find a cure for diabetes.
In 1998, DRWF was incorporated and registered as a charity in the UK and has since become a recognised provider of awareness, educational support programmes and leading funder of diabetes research in the UK and around the world.
We proudly work with our sister organisations in the US, France, Sweden, Norway and Finland under the umbrella of the International Diabetes Wellness Network. Together we work on global awareness and educational campaigns and collaborate on international research funding projects. To find out more, visit our work globally page.
Board of Trustees
The DRWF Board of Trustees are an engaged and committed group of individuals who bring a significant level of expertise to the governance of the charity in the fields of law, business strategy and management, international fundraising, psychology, healthcare and education.
Michael Gretschel
Co-Founder
Chairman of the Board
Volunteer fundraiser for diabetes research for over 30 years
John Alahouzos
Co-Founder
Volunteer fundraiser for diabetes research since 1978
Valerie Hussey
Retired Nurse, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton
Steve Jones
Business coach, public speaker, trainer and consultant
Shivani Misra
Consultant in Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and diabetes researcher in Imperial College London
Chris Gretschel
Volunteer and person living with type 1 diabetes
How We Can Help at DRWF
Events
Each year we run events for people living with diabetes, ranging from educational workshops and wellness events, to fundraising marathons and group skydives. To find out more about our events and how we support people living with diabetes, please visit our Events Page.
Research
Since 1998 we have provided over £12 million of funding for medical research programmes, with the aim of finding a cure for all types of diabetes. In 2004, we made a significant commitment to Islet Cell Research and Transplant, a programme which focuses on the role of islet cells in diabetes. Read more about our commitment to research by visiting our Research Page.
Fundraising
We rely on our amazing donors who raise the funds that help support people living with diabetes across the UK, as well as funding our vital research programmes. There are lots of ways to raise money to support people living with all forms of diabetes, there’s something for everyone! To discover more about fundraising with us, please visit our Fundraising Page.
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