AN energetic Widnes schoolgirl teamed up with her friends to fund a cure for diabetes.

Lottie Wright, aged seven, was diagnosed with type one diabetes when she was three.

She encouraged pupils at Farnworth Primary School to wear onesies for World Diabetes Day.

They raised £487 to be shared between JDRF, a charity which funds research to cure, treat and prevent type one diabetes and Children in Need.

Lottie’s mum, Rachel, aged 39, of Birchfield Road, said: “Lottie is a real character. Everyone loves her.

“She goes without treats that other kids can have like cakes, sweets and ice cream yet she has never once complained.

“She is really active. She does gymnastics, swimming and is in the brownies. She doesn’t let her diabetes stop her doing anything.”

Lottie has to have at least five daily injections of insulin and prick her fingers 10 times a day to check her blood sugar levels.

There is no cure and doctors don’t know why some children develop type one diabetes.

Rachel gave up her job as cabin crew to become a nail technician so she can work from home after she was diagnosed.

Lottie’s dad, Darren, aged 41, is a Widnes firefighter.

She has a sister, Tilly, aged 11.

Rachel said: “Lottie has to be careful about what she eats. A teacher phones me every day to tell me what Lottie has had for lunch. I then work out how much insulin she needs. Lottie administers it herself.

“She is absolutely brilliant. She doesn’t let it affect her life.

“She has grown up knowing what to do.

“We count our lucky stars because diabetes can be life-threatening.

“We hope that they might be able to come up with a cure within her lifetime.

“It would make a massive difference.”