PEOPLE in Ealing came together to ‘kick out diabetes’ at a community fun day to raise awareness of the condition, which affects thousands in the borough.

The fun day, one of several activities held during Diabetes Awareness Week (June 8-14), saw World Cup fever come to Southall, with a football tournament to encourage people to exercise and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Other activities included information stalls at Greenford Broadway and Acton market place, plus healthy eating and exercise sessions with pupils at North Primary School and senior citizens at the Mael Gael group.

Events were arranged by Southall Community Alliance, in partnership with Ealing Clinical Commissioning Group, Ealing Council, Diabetes UK, Ealing CVS and other community and voluntary groups.

Over the course of the week, the team shared information about diabetes with more than 1,000 people across the borough.

Dr Raj Chandok, vice-chair of Ealing Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Currently there are 60,000 people in Ealing at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. That is one in seven residents. I strongly encourage anyone who has any of these symptoms to see their GP as soon as possible.”