Shane Board
Being diagnosed with diabetes would put most people down, but Shane Board has dedicated his life to helping support charities that aim to find a cure.
His most recent efforts to do this include the Pop 4 Diabetes event, and his upcoming charity single 'Your Day Will Come'.
-Could you tell us a bit about your single?
Well, it was inspired by myself living with diabetes and doing a lot of fundraising for research into finding a cure. That's kinda the reason behind releasing the track.
The guy we saw to do the track with, he put together this track which was along the same lines as what we're trying to achieve, saying Your Day Will Come.
You can apply that to many people's situations, I'm sure. So, the track just worked really well.
-I was reading on your website that you've always had ambitions of singing. How does it feel to be a bit closer to realising those dreams?
I'm obviously very excited about it all, more so because it is for charity. I think I've sung for about 10 years now, and it's nice to know we've finally got to the point where we're moving in the right circles, having a chance to promote the track and make the most of it.
-All proceeds are going to charity. How important is the foundation that you're donating to?
For me, it's the only thing I'm interesting in. I wouldn't have my money going anywhere else to be honest.
-What sort of work do they do?
They're called JDRF, and their sole purpose is to find a cure for diabetes. They've been involved in every major development since they've been around. The fact that their goal in the long term is to find a cure is what I'm wanting to do myself.
-Obviously you went through a horrible time when you were diagnosed. What advise would you give to young people going through the same thing you did?
I think that diabetes is tough at times, but it's not always as hard as it may feel to take control of things.
With the developments we've got in research now, looking after yourself really is such a good idea because, who knows? A cure could be round the corner?
-Could you explain a bit about Pop For Diabetes?
It's a charity ball we run every year, for the last four years. We basically get some celebrities together to have a sit-down meal, some of them perform.
We give the public the chance to buy tickets to actually have a meal with celebrities sat around them.
-Do you usually get a good response from the celebrities that turn out for it?
Definitely. I mean, every single year we usually end up in a little bit of trouble because we're over-selling the tickets. We're thinking of taking it to two events a year.
-Is it important that people with a platform use it to raise awareness for these issues and charities?
Personally, I think that's a good idea. Any opportunity I get, I would always be looking to help JDRF myself. If people have access to platforms that would improve diabetes awareness, then I think that's great.
-Your career seems completely focused on helping charities and people affected by diabetes. Do you have any plans to make music the focus, or will it always be a case of running the two alongside each other?
Well, for me the music is solely for raising money for diabetes. I actually have a web design business, which is what I run as my main job. The singing, I just dedicate all of it to diabetes.
-What are your plans once the single's released?
That's interesting. I'm yet to see what does happen. If it has major success, I can imagine having to take some time off work. It really is just play it by ear at the moment.
-What can people do to help then, with the foundation?
The obvious one is check out the track on iTunes or get the CD when it's released. It's possible to donate directly anyway to JDRF.
More information can be found at JDRF.org.uk
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Tagged in Diabetes