Leicestershire County Cricket Club Partners with Diabetes UK for One-Off Charity Shirt to Mark World Diabetes Day

Leicestershire County Cricket Club is proud to announce a special partnership with Diabetes UK to mark World Diabetes Day on Friday, 14 November 2025.

As part of the collaboration, the Club will launch a limited-edition Diabetes UK-inspired shirt, which will be worn by the team during a 2026 Metro Bank One Day Cup home fixture. The shirt has been designed to raise awareness and vital funds to support Diabetes UK’s mission to help people live well with diabetes, work towards a world where diabetes can do no harm and tackle the stigma that surrounds the condition.

In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland the prevalence of diabetes is higher than the national rate, with just under 90,000 people living with diabetes. This is approximately 10,000 more people living with diabetes in 2024, compared to 2020. Nationally, eight in 10 people living with diabetes say they’ve faced negative attitudes because of their condition.

Funds will be raised through a percentage of ticket sales from the chosen fixture, alongside shirt auctions and a variety of matchday fundraising activations at Uptonsteel Grace Road.

The campaign also carries a deeply personal connection within the Club. Ian, a long-standing and dedicated Leicestershire CCC member, lives with diabetes. In addition, Olivia Bryan, a key member of the Club’s Ticketing Team, has seen the impact of diabetes first-hand through her close relationship with her nan, who has lived with the condition for many years. Olivia has spoken about how much her nan’s strength and resilience mean to her, and how it motivates her to support greater awareness

Charlie Bannister, Head of Commercial at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Diabetes UK on this meaningful initiative. Diabetes affects so many people across our community - including members of our own staff and supporters - so this partnership holds special significance for everyone at the Club. The one-off shirt and fundraising activities will allow us to raise awareness and funds for an outstanding cause, while celebrating the incredible work Diabetes UK does every day.”

Peter Shorrick, Head of the Midlands and East region at Diabetes UK, said: “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Leicestershire County Cricket Club this World Diabetes Day, to shine a light on diabetes and the impact it has on people’s lives. This partnership will not only raise vital funds to support our work but also help spread awareness among thousands of cricket fans. We can’t wait to see the team wearing the Diabetes UK shirt next season.”

Leicestershire CCC would like to extend a special thank you to Uptonsteel, the Club’s Principal Partner, for generously offering the front-of-shirt space to Diabetes UK for this fixture. Their continued support has made this campaign possible and further highlights the shared commitment to making a difference within the local community.

Supporters can donate directly to Diabetes UK by following this link: https://donate.diabetes.org.uk/donate/~my-donation

Keep an eye on the Club’s website and social media channels over the coming weeks for further updates on this campaign, including personal stories from Ian about their experiences living with diabetes.

About Diabetes UK:

1. Diabetes UK’s aim is creating a world where diabetes can do no harm. Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time, affecting more people than any other serious health condition in the UK - more than dementia and cancer combined. There is currently no known cure for any type of diabetes. With the right treatment, knowledge and support people living with diabetes can lead a long, full, and healthy life. For more information about diabetes and the charity’s work, visit www.diabetes.org.uk

2. Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. Without the support to manage it well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in people of working age in the UK and is a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke.

3. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. About 8 per cent of people with diabetes have type 1. No one knows exactly what causes it, but a family history of type 1 increases the risk of developing it. Type 1 diabetes is not currently preventable. It’s the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults, starting suddenly and getting worse quickly. Type 1 diabetes is treated by multiple daily insulin doses “ taken either by injections or via an insulin pump. It is also recommended to follow a healthy diet and take regular physical activity.

4. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly (known as insulin resistance). Around 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2. They might get type 2 diabetes because family history, age and ethnic background puts them at increased risk. They are also more likely to get type 2 diabetes if they are living with obesity or overweight. People from the most deprived areas are also more at risk of developing type 2. It starts gradually, usually later in life, and it can be years before they realise they have it. However, we are seeing more young people, including children, developing it. Type 2 diabetes is treated by getting support to manage your weight, eating a healthy diet, and increasing physical activity. In addition, medications including tablets, insulin, and non-insulin injectables are usually required.

5. About 2 per cent of people have other types of diabetes. Other types include 11 different forms of monogenic diabetes, gestational diabetes, cystic fibrosis related diabetes and diabetes caused by rare syndromes. Certain medication such as steroids and antipsychotics, surgery or hormonal imbalances could also lead to other types of diabetes.

Learn more about Diabetes UK here: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/