Dame Sarah Storey's Son Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes After 'Strictly' Exit
The decorated Paralympian shared the news on social media following a challenging week that included her elimination from the dance competition and her son's hospital admission.
Dame Sarah Storey, the decorated Paralympian, has revealed that her nine-year-old son, Charlie, has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This news follows a tumultuous week for Storey, which included her elimination from the television show "Strictly Come Dancing" and her son's subsequent hospital admission.
Storey shared the diagnosis on social media on Friday, describing the past week as a "rollercoaster." She explained that Charlie was admitted to the hospital due to very high blood pressure. Adding to the family's health challenges, Charlie's diagnosis comes approximately one year after his older sister, Louisa, 13, also received a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.
"It can run in families, my husband has got Type 1 diabetes but of course you might always hope that it might miss one of them," Storey stated. Her husband, fellow Paralympian Barney Storey, also lives with Type 1 diabetes.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Storey expressed gratitude for being able to be present for her children. "I am very grateful that I could rush back home to give big cuddles and to help him to navigate life with the multiple injections everyday," she said. She noted Charlie's resilience, stating he is "doing an incredible job" and is already administering his own injections and calculating dosages.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood glucose levels. This leads to elevated blood sugar.
Storey and her professional dance partner, Julian Caillon, were the third couple to be eliminated from "Strictly Come Dancing" on the previous weekend. The judges unanimously chose to save another couple in the dance-off. Despite their departure, Caillon praised Storey's dedication and work ethic, calling her "the GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) and emphasizing her commitment.
Storey reflected on her time on the show, thanking her partner for his mentorship and expressing pride in her performances throughout the competition. She acknowledged her own high standards, noting that she aimed to deliver her best dance each week.
