Pippa's story

Canterbury‑based Pippa McCarthy has been living with type 1 diabetes since she was eight years old, a journey that has shaped both her resilience and her desire to support others. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, she is now in her third year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University, balancing study alongside her volunteering.

This year, Pippa volunteered at the Canterbury Youth Family Camp at Waipara Adventure Centre - her first event with Diabetes New Zealand. Over the three days, she helped run outdoor activities, supported young participants, and shared her own experiences of living with type 1 diabetes. The experience left a strong impression, and she’s already eager to stay involved.

Pippa chose to volunteer because she never had the chance to attend a diabetes camp herself. Growing up, she often felt there wasn’t a strong type 1 community around her, and she wanted to help create the kind of connection and support she would have valued as a child.

What made the experience truly meaningful were the relationships she built - especially one moment that has stayed with her. As she explains, “supporting a young girl who was struggling with aspects of managing her diabetes… I was able to share my own experience and help her navigate some of the challenges she was facing. Afterwards, her parents personally thanked me, which was incredibly meaningful and reinforced the value of volunteering.”

For Pippa, volunteering is about offering understanding, encouragement, and a sense of belonging - and we are so grateful she has chosen to volunteer for Diabetes New Zealand.