TAD 2025 – A Recap

TAD (Talking About Diabetes) returned in 2025 with a bang - taking place Liverpool Everyman Theatre. The event was created in 2016 by the diabetes community for the community, and it featured a jam-packed day of storytelling, humour, talent, and heartfelt moments.

The charismatic host Kamil Armacky, better known online as Nerdabetic, opened the day in a crisp white suit and promptly crowned himself the “Diabetic Elvis” - and to be fair, he lived up to it. From the moment he stepped on stage, the energy in the room was buzzing.

The day brought together an impressive 2,854 years of lived experience with diabetes (yes, someone did the maths), reminding everyone they were far from alone. One of the organisers Adrian Long beautifully put it, “It’s so nice to come to an event and not feel like the odd one out.”

Here’s a recap of the incredible moments and inspiring people who made TAD 2025 unforgettable.

It is important to mention that TAD also serves as a fundraiser for the charity 'Life for a Child', who provide essential supplies, including insulin, insulin pens and needles, and blood-glucose monitoring equipment to children across the work. They are currently supporting more than 57,700 young people in 48 countries. Please consider donating to this great cause at this link: https://tadtalk2025.raiselysite.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaecaPdQFQlsu3nt34x5mhAutadPdI0TpQQO1Wg48uhIYStJEjp7NkcLWMKy3w_aem_hrfXJj_QWd9Bo1FruIyaYA

Jude Ewing - Peaks, Valleys and Possibilities

Jude Ewing opened the day by sharing his diagnosis story - one that began in the Azad Kashmir region of Pakistan while he was working in earthquake relief. His life changed dramatically after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, but he found a powerful outlet in the mountains. Jude has since climbed all 214 Lakeland Fells and used his journey to highlight the metaphorical “peaks and valleys” of living with type 1 diabetes. His message was clear: diabetes doesn’t limit you - you can still climb, achieve, and thrive.

Sofa Chat #1

This panel discussion was chaired by Adrian Long, and it  brought together actors, advocates and educators: Jade Byrne, Martin Scivier, and Alice Merivale.

• Jade shared her experience of living with ADHD and Type 1 diabetes while raising a family and juggling a creative career. She’s behind the beloved show Pricks and is now working on Daisy Donald, a children’s book turned TV show. “My consultant said, ‘There’s no pattern to your diabetes,’ and honestly - same with my life,”.

• Martin, approaching his 71st diaversary, is a powerful voice for older adults with type 1. He highlighted the alarming lack of training in social care for type 1 diabetes and called for mandatory education for care workers. “When I was diagnosed, they told my mum I’d live to 45 max,” he reflected.

• Alice, actor and teacher, champions visibility. “When I wore my insulin pump on stage during panto, so many people told me how much it meant to them. Representation really does matter - especially when it’s accurate.”

The panel also touched on the weirdest things people had ever said to them. Jade recalled a date where someone asked if he could catch diabetes.

The highlight? The diabetes community. All three panellists agreed - connection, understanding and peer support were some of the best thing’s diabetes had brought into their lives. That and skipping queues at theme parks.

Diabetes: A Dual Perspective - David and Martha’s Story

Father-daughter duo David and Martha shared a heartwarming talk about supporting each other through life with type 1. Diagnosed at different stages of life, they compared their experiences, challenges, and strengths. Martha, reminded the audience that diabetes doesn’t stop her from smashing it at netball.

Sofa Chat #2

This panel discussion was chaired by Ellie Huckle, the second panel featured Dr. Andrew Nelson and Kirsty Hallam, two professionals who live and work with diabetes.

• Kirsty, a youth worker at Alder Hey, has lived with diabetes for 27 years. She spoke about the bumps in the road during her teens and how supporting a struggling young person helped her find her calling.

• Andrew, now a clinical researcher, had his career shaped by his diagnosis. “I was set on surgery but ended up in diabetes research - it’s funny how life reroutes you.”

Both panellists emphasised empathy, community, and technology as lifelines. Andrew credited hybrid closed-loop systems for better quality of life. Kirsty spoke about the importance of respecting young people as experts in their own condition.

They also didn’t shy away from workplace challenges—Kirsty once had a hypo mid-clinic while playing with a 5-year-old. Andrew, meanwhile, shared a touching story about a fellow diabetic driving through snow to get him pump supplies during a trip gone wrong.

Ashley MacLauchlan - From Screening to Medical School

Ashley (Ash) MacLauchlan shared his unique story of testing positive for type 1 antibodies and being diagnosed seven years later, shortly after heart surgery. That experience became the spark for his medical ambitions, and he’s now working with the UK Islet Autoantibody Registry. His talk explored the potential of screening and early detection, and how lived experience can shape professional goals.

The talent of the Type 1 Diabetes Community

After lunch, the crowd got to enjoy some well-deserved creativity:

Lucas Mills, a young person with type 1, impressed everyone with his guitar skills.

Rhea Norwood, known from Heartstopper, gave an emotional account of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 21. “A diabetic makes 180 additional decisions a day - and each one is an act of self-love,” she said. Rhea’s words reminded us of the emotional weight diabetes carries, especially in fast-paced industries like acting.

Alex Tilsley shared how he swapped dreams of becoming a commercial pilot (initially denied due to diabetes) for a career on the railway - and eventually became both a train driver and a licensed pilot. He’s now campaigning for policy change to allow more people with diabetes to pursue train-driving careers.

Michael Cox - High Highs and Low Lows

Rounding out the day, Mike Cox, a youth worker with Together Type 1, delivered a powerful talk on acceptance, healing, and finding meaning through challenge. Diagnosed at 13, he’s had literal and emotional highs and lows, including a hypo that resulted in a head injury and mental health difficulties. Today, he uses his story to support others, climbing Kilimanjaro and working with young people who are finding their own way with diabetes.

Final Thoughts

TAD 2025, which is my second time attending, was more than just a conference. It was peer support in action, a celebration of everyone speaking and everyone who attended, of shared experiences and understanding. It was refreshing to be in a room that didn’t gloss over the hard parts of living with diabetes and instead acknowledged the difficulties.

I am so proud to be a part of the diabetes community in days like these.

Until next time,

Alyssa x