Campaign pioneer

Nov 1 2007 by Linda Elias, Cynon Valley Leader

WENDY GANE is a pioneer for people suffering with diabetes – not only in the Cynon Valley but for the entire country.

She has received countless awards for her services in the field, and in 2001 was honoured with an MBE.

Mrs Gane, who lives in Cwmbach, said: “I was diagnosed with diabetes 28 years ago when I was 20 years old.

“Very quickly I felt that services in the area needed improvement and in 1995 I formed the Merthyr and Cynon Local Diabetes Services Advisory Group.

“It is in partnership with the Trusts, the local health boards, the Community Health Council and people with diabetes themselves.”

Mrs Gane, who was born with spina bifida, was the first lay person to chair such a group.

The fact that she believes very strongly in patient involvement and feedback is perhaps one of the reasons why she has been so successful in her work.

“I am a great advocate of the patients having a say in planning,” she said.

“I think it is vitally important that we are taking the lead in Wales and working together with health-care professionals.

“I felt that there would be great benefit from a support group for people with diabetes being able to share experiences of the complaint.

“I was very determined that people with diabetes would have advice and have their opinions listened to.

“In 1998 I became a member of the Community Health Council and I have had massive support from them – I’ve been chairperson two or three times.”

In 1998 Mrs Gane was the first lay person to be given the H G Wells Award for the improved service and care of diabetes.

She was also the only Welsh winner of that award and was given £2,000 to spend on diabetes issues in Wales.

Within a few months she was given the Health Promotion Wales Good Health Award for the outstanding promotion of diabetes and good health in Wales, and then followed her MBE

“I was very honoured to be awarded the MBE.

“I don’t feel that the award was just for me but for everybody who has lent their support to my quest to improve services.”

Mrs Gane is currently heavily involved with the Peer Support Programme, where volunteers with diabetes give information on the services available to people with the condition.

It was an idea that Mrs Gane had around five years ago.

She is also chairman of the All-Wales Diabetic Patient Performance Group

On a medical note, Mrs Gane is also one of the few people in Wales who has an insulin pump attached to her body to ensure she receives her daily medication.