A woman who fought to transform the care and support people with diabetes receive across Chelmsford and mid-Essex has died.

Ann Uzzell, who lived in Chelmsford, decided to set up a support group in 1974 when her three-year-old daughter Joanne was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Joanne said: “When I was first diagnosed there were no support groups, helplines or the likelihood of knowing someone in your area in the same position.

“Being a biomedical scientist helped mum to develop her knowledge and expertise of the condition. Arranging meetings, raising money and awareness is something she did and she also ensured anyone affected by diabetes was made welcome and encouraged to come to her informative meetings.

“I am very proud of my mum. Not only did she ensure my good health through guidance and good practice in my childhood and advice and support in adulthood, but continued that with my youngest son, who also lives with Type 1 diabetes.

“I know that to many people across Essex, through her role in the group with many as chairman, Mum was the friendly face of diabetes and a source of both extensive knowledge and comforting support.”

Ann’s commitment and passion to support people living with the condition saw her group raising thousands of pounds for Diabetes UK and one of the highlights of her campaigning and fundraising work was the opening of the Diabetes Centre at Broomfield Hospital in 1998.

Laurence Barker, Diabetes UK Eastern Volunteer Development Manager, said: “We were very saddened to hear the sad news of Ann’s death. We are so grateful to Ann for her tireless support to Diabetes UK as a whole and the Chelmsford and District Group in particular.

“Throughout her time as Chair the group donated thousands of pounds to diabetes research and provided invaluable information and support to people affected by diabetes in the Chelmsford area.

“Two years ago Ann was also one of a very small number of volunteers to be awarded a long service medal celebrating over 20 years as a volunteer.”

Her funeral will take place at tomorrow at 2.30pm in the South Chapel at Chelmsford Crematorium. Ann’s family has requested that all donations go to Diabetes UK.

For more information on Diabetes UK, visit www.diabetes.org.uk or call their helpline on 0345 123 2399 for support or advice.