Your stories: A mum’s thank you to St Mary’s C of E Primary School, Platt Bridge
A young girl diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. A family suddenly learning to navigate a condition that changes everything. And a school that stepped in when it mattered most.
For Grace’s mum, Julie Hilton, sending her daughter to school with a complex medical condition came with huge fear and uncertainty at first — until she joined St Mary’s C of E Primary School in Platt Bridge.
She says the support, care and understanding from staff has completely changed their experience, to the point she felt she needed to say thank you properly.
In Julie’s own words:
When our daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just two years old, our world changed overnight. Like so many parents of children with complex medical conditions, we had to learn a whole new way of life. Every day became about balancing insulin, blood sugar levels, meals, activity, and the constant worry that comes with knowing your child’s health can change in an instant.
As Grace approached school age, one thought weighed heavily on us more than any other: how could we possibly hand over the responsibility of caring for our little girl to someone else?
As parents, your child is the most precious thing in your life. Letting go of the reins and putting your complete trust in others is incredibly difficult. We worried constantly about whether she would be safe, whether people would understand her condition, and whether they would know what to do if something went wrong.
Grace started at St Mary’s C of E Primary School in Platt Bridge in 2021, and from the very beginning those fears began to disappear.
We simply cannot praise the school enough. Every member of staff has shown nothing but kindness, dedication, and genuine care for Grace. They have taken the time to understand Type 1 diabetes, learned how to manage it confidently, and have always treated Grace with compassion while making sure she never feels different from her classmates.
Over the years, they have gone above and beyond in every way imaginable. Most recently, Grace was able to enjoy a residential trip away from home, something many parents of children with Type 1 diabetes would naturally find overwhelming. Yet the staff managed her diabetes around the clock for several days, allowing her to experience every moment with her friends while giving us the reassurance that she was in the safest hands.
Teachers often don’t receive recognition for everything they do outside of teaching. They are carers, supporters, problem-solvers, and a source of reassurance for families like ours. The staff at St Mary’s have made it possible for Grace to enjoy every opportunity school has to offer, despite the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes, and for that we will be forever grateful.
We wanted to share our story because we know there will be other parents facing the same fears we once had. If your child has Type 1 diabetes or another medical condition and is about to start school, we hope our experience brings you some comfort. There are schools and teachers who will embrace your child, work alongside you, and do everything they can to keep them safe while helping them thrive.
To everyone at St Mary’s C of E Primary School, thank you. Your care, commitment, and compassion have meant more to our family than words can express. You haven’t just educated our daughter, you have given us confidence, peace of mind, and the knowledge that she is surrounded by people who truly care.
If you’ve got a story to share or someone you think needs a shoutout, drop me an email.
