meet the team

Hello! We’re Nick Young and Cathy Lawler, your dedicated co-ordinators for type 1 Bedfordshire, here to support anyone in our local community affected by type 1 diabetes. With almost 80 years of type 1 experience between us, there’s not much we haven’t seen! We know it can be tough, but with the right knowledge, confidence, and a supportive community behind you, it is possible to live a rich, happy and fulfilling life.

Nick Young
I’ve been on my type 1 journey for over 30 years, seeing it all from basic insulin to today’s amazing tech like Omnipod 4/5, FreeStyle Libre, and Dexcom G7 – truly game-changers! Diabetes has its moments, but I’ve always tackled it head-on, refusing to let it stop me from cycling, triathlons, travel, cooking, and great nights out. Our son’s type 1 diagnosis at 8 has also added a whole new dimension of learning to our family’s experience.



We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from type 1 Bedfordshire. Their expertise and lived experiences have played a vital role in improving our service, helping us create meaningful patient-centred changes that would not have been possible without their input.

CLAIRE SPRINGALL
CLINICAL LEAD FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES & TECHNOLOGY, BEDFORD HOSPITAL

Cathy Lawler
My type 1 story began almost 50 years ago as a young child – think metal syringes, urine tests,
and no food labels! I’ve witnessed the incredible evolution of treatment, from animal insulin to today’s wireless pods, and I’m now a happy user of the Omnipod 5 and Dexcom G6 hybrid looped system so know first-hand what a difference technology can make! When I’m not navigating glucose levels, you’ll find me cheering on Welsh rugby, walking my dogs, or enjoying a good night out!