Brendan's story
For Dunedin local Brendan Ward, volunteering with Diabetes New Zealand has become a meaningful part of his life - one that spans two decades, ten summer camps, and countless moments of connection. Brendan works in IT at the University of Otago and has lived with type 1 diabetes since he was ten. Outside of work, he’s an avid cyclist, competing in events across the South Island and in Australia.
Brendan first volunteered at an Otago summer camp in 2004, helping the medical team support young people managing their diabetes. It would be several years before he returned, but once he did, he became a familiar and valued presence. Over the years, he has assisted nurses, dietitians, and doctors, supported children through activities, and taken part in the middle‑of‑the‑night checks to ensure everyone stayed safe. He also brings his camera each year, capturing photos and videos that parents treasure - many of which have been used in Diabetes New Zealand magazines and newsletters.
This year marked his tenth camp, a milestone celebrated with a surprise cake, candles, and a certificate presented in front of visiting parents. Brendan hadn’t expected the recognition, but it reflected the deep appreciation the community has for his long‑standing commitment.
His motivation to volunteer comes from his own experiences living with type 1 diabetes, including challenges with eye complications. Wanting to support young people and help prevent others from facing similar struggles, he joined the Diabetes Otago committee years ago and has continued to return to camp whenever asked.
What keeps him coming back is the transformation he sees in the children - their confidence, independence, and growing ability to manage their diabetes.
As he explains, “It’s great to see the children at the camps become more confident in managing their diabetes and I feel that the adults at the camp reinforce those good practices the children need to maintain with their diabetes while doing all those things they want to do. Some of the children attend the summer camp for four years. There’s a huge difference between their first camp and their last in the way they look after themselves and their diabetes. While it’s the nurses, dieticians and doctors who can provide all the help to the children with their diabetes, I think it’s great for the children to see an adult who isn’t a medical professional living life with diabetes. I sometimes have low and high blood glucose levels at the camp myself, so I have to face those situations in the same way the children do!”
“Hopefully some of the children going to these camps come back and volunteer their own time in the future. This year a young adult came back as a volunteer. I’d helped him out when he had attended the summer camps. It was great to see him there helping out.”
For Brendan, volunteering is about showing young people that life with diabetes can be full, active, and joyful - and that they’re never alone in it.