Torquay local awarded the Kellion Victory Medal

THE Kellion Victory Medal has been awarded to a Torquay resident who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 70 years.

Presented by Diabetes Victoria on World Diabetes Day (November 14), Bob Dickenson has been recognised by the state for having endured the incurable condition since he was 10-years-old. He is one of 29,000 Victorians currently living with the condition.

Though it was some time ago, Mr Dickenson remembers his diagnosis being complicated, with his doctor initially believing he had tonsillitis.

Upon becoming very ill and incredibly thirsty – a symptom of type 1 diabetes – the then 10-year-old was moved to the Royal Children’s Hospital where his diagnosis was made clear.

He would then spend some of the most challenging years of his life managing the condition, avoiding certain foods at parties and steering away from the temptation of cigarettes and alcohol.

What then seemed impossible has seen Bob Dickenson outrun diabetes for seven decades, rightfully earning him the Kellion Victory Medal.

“Don’t let diabetes stop you doing whatever you want. Don’t drink or smoke and do exercise to stay fit,” is Mr Dickenson’s advice to other sufferers.

Named in honour of the late Mr Claude Kellion AM, who advocated for diabetes research after his 38-year-old son died from diabetes complications, the annual Kellion Victory Medal is awarded to a diabetes sufferer who has lived with the condition for more than 50 years.

CEO of Diabetes Victoria Craig Bennett said it was a remarkable achievement to have lived with diabetes for so many decades.

“There is no cure yet for type 1 diabetes, but recent innovations have improved life expectancy and quality of life immensely,” he said.

“I congratulate all of our recipients for this outstanding accomplishment. They all deserve our utmost respect and admiration.”

Eighty-year-old Bob Dickenson is living proof that an auto-immune condition as mysterious as type 1 diabetes can’t stop sufferers from enjoying their lives.

His wife of 58 years, Bernadette, has been his carer for many years. The couple has five children, 12 grandchildren and has travelled around the world and Australia.