The family of a 33-year-old South Holland man who died as a result of complications from diabetes are warning people to take the condition extremely seriously.
Ashley Grimwood died last month after an eight-week spell in Peterborough hospital and his funeral is due to be held in Moulton today (Friday).
But his mum Susan Lowe, of May Blossom Walk, Spalding, said he might have increased his chances of survival if he had looked after his acute diabetes more carefully.
“Like all young men he thought he was invincible and didn’t take his meds regularly or keep a proper eye on what he was eating and drinking. Diabetes is really serious and everyone should know it,” she said.
Her son, who had attended the former Gleed School, returned to South Holland in 2015 when his marriage ended.
He had previously been living in Southampton but returned to Moulton to live with his father Clive Grimwood.
“He had encephalitis in 2012 and as a result developed diabetes,” said Mrs Lowe.
“When he first got ill, we didn’t even know if he would survive and got called to Southampton to see him,” she said.
But after a period in intensive care, he recovered but was left with problems, including diabetes.
“He was insulin dependent, but never really looked after it. He thought he could carry on as before, but diabetes is really serious,” said his mum.
“When he came out of intensive care he had other problems as well, but he thought he would be fine.”
Ashley was taken to hospital earlier this year after collapsing at his father’s home.
“I last saw him in hospital on the Thursday, the day before he died,” said his brother Robert Pettet, of May Blossom Drive.
“He was in a bad way and was on morphine for the pain,” he said.
Ashley died on Friday, June 23 and leaves a young daughter.
“We are all devastated. He will be so missed,” said his brother.
Ashley also leaves siblings Sarah, Martyn, Nathan and Jack as well as other family members in the Spalding area.
His funeral will be held at All Saints Church, Moulton tomorrow at 11am and donations from the service will be given to the air ambulance charity.
Type 1 diabetes can lead to a range of long-term health issues, including problems with kidneys, nerves, eyesight and heart disease.
See www.diabetes.org.uk for more information.
