A FESTIVE fundraiser was held in aid of the newly-formed Christchurch Local Diabetes Society..

The event took place at Druitt Hall on Christ-church High Street and was organised by Annette Hawksworth.

Many people set up festive stalls selling health prod-ucts, Christmas decor-ations, cards and gift wrapping.

The proceeds of the event went towards the funding of the society, which will officially launch in March 2015.

The group aims to support people of all ages who have diabetes or have been affected by the condition. Annette Hawksworth, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in March 2014, and set-up the group said: “It’s frightening when you’re told you are diabetic.

“That’s the reason I started it up.

“I’m the type of person who likes having support at the end of the phone or email from someone who knows what it’s like. I think word needs to get out about the launch of the society though, because currently the nearest support group is on the Isle of Wight.”