Published:
7:00 PM February 20, 2021
Updated:
9:37 AM February 21, 2021
Fearn Swain and her family are cycling 100 miles between them in the JDRF 100 challenge to raise money for the diabetic team at West Suffolk Hospital. Fearn, Emma and Ross Swain cycling near their house.
- Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
The family of a fit and active 12-year-old girl from Acton, who dances around the country, said their lives have completely changed after she was diagnosed with diabetes.
Fearn Swain was worried she wouldn t be able to dance again after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just a few weeks ago, following a suspected water infection.
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Subscriber only Barbara Swain, founder of Mental Health Support Group, was named 2021 Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year. Twenty five years ago, Mrs Swain s son, Barry, lost his battle with depression. Two years later, she started providing toiletry packs and clothing to people in Lismore Base Mental Health Unit who didn t have family or friends to provide for them. She did this single-handedly for two years. A meeting with the Rotary Heath Mental Forum meant the formation of the Northern Rivers Mental Health Support Group (MHSG), an organisation run by volunteers that receives no government funding. Mrs Swain explained her son moved from the UK to Australia, and it was here he became unwell.