An inspirational volunteer for diabetes in Hounslow has been celebrated for her hard work and dedication.

Julia Tyson, of Brentford, has been recognised by Diabetes UK with a double award for tirelessly campaigning to spread the message for better diabetes services in the borough and beyond.

She won the campaigning and raising awareness award at the charity's Inspire awards along with the trophy for volunteer of the year.

Ms Tyson said: “Helping Diabetes UK and people with diabetes is my mission and whatever I do I still don't think it is enough as the need is so great.”

During her journey with the charity she has completed 500 risk assessments at countless Know Your Risk roadshows and helps out up to four times a week on the information stand at the Heart of Hounslow Medical Centre.

She is also trained to give talks about fasting during Ramadan and raising awareness of diabetes within the Muslim community.

As a community champion she goes the extra mile into harder-to-reach communities to drum up more awareness of condition.

Roz Rosenblatt, London manager at Diabetes UK, said: “Julia helps us out three or four times every single week - she is tireless and dedicated and we are very grateful.

"She is a very hard worker - and she has a wonderful warm smile which puts people at ease.

“The Inspire Awards are a great opportunity to thank our fantastic volunteers for their hard work helping to support people with diabetes.

"There are more than 400,000 people living with diabetes in London, and dedicated volunteers like Julia help them to manage their condition, campaign to improve the quality of care available to them, fundraise for pioneering research and work to stem the rising tide of diabetes."

With more than 19,000 people with diabetes in the borough and a further one in four people at risk Diabetes UK is working with Hounslow CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) to improve care in the borough.

To volunteer for Diabetes UK or join a local support group email london@diabetes.org.uk.