A DETERMINED 13-year-old who fought hard for access to life-changing diabetes technology will see her achievements recognised at an awards ceremony.

Rosey Edwardes, from Bridport, has had type 1 diabetes since she was 17 months old and did have to check her blood glucose levels at least 10 times a day by finger prick.

Along with mum Kirsty and charity Diabetes UK, Rosey lobbied Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to make a blood glucose monitoring device available on the NHS in the county.

Under the old system, it was up to individual clinical CCGs to decide whether or not they made flash glucose monitoring available to patients in their area; meaning the CCG could dictate the criteria for patients eligible for the device and decide whether to offer it at all.

The device, which is the size of a £2 coin and sits on the arm, was made available on prescription for all patients who meet the guidelines - including Rosey - last month.

Rosey received a letter in the post this week from national charity Diabetes UK, informing her she has been nominated for its Young Person's Outstanding Contribution.

Mum Kirsty said the news came as a 'big surprise.'

"I'm very proud of Rosey," said Kirsty. "She is very excited but she's also a little bit embarrassed by how proud we are of her. She's been really tough and she's done lots of campaigning."

Access to the device reduces the need for Rosey to use the finger prick test as often - something Kirsty says has drastically improved her daughter's quality of life.

"It really does help," said Kirsty. "Rosey has always been independent but now she can go out with her friends and her levels are monitored on her phone - which I can also see. It makes such a difference and her fingers aren't as numb anymore as she only needs to do the finger prick after meals. This is a big deal for others, too, and we're happy her campaigning has made a difference."

Rosey and her family will attend a ceremony in Taunton on May 23, when she will find out if she has won the award.