THREE months ago Daniel Mawdsley was diagnosed as suffering from diabetes, but he hasn't let it get in the way of his favourite sport.

Now he has proved it by taking a silver medal for judo at the Lancashire Youth Games.

After just one month of practice, nine-year-old Daniel, from Rossington Avenue, Bispham, took to the mats for the schools competition in Darwen and things are looking bright for the Moor Park Junior School pupil.

Daniel has a lot to thank his sport for, as dad Phil explained: "We first started noticing something was wrong when Daniel wasn't getting any heavier.

"As part of the sport, we have to weigh people on a regular basis to see which category they fight in.

"We became even more concerned when Daniel was actually losing weight.

"My father had diabetes so I know a lot about it - and Daniel went to the hospital for tests."

He was diagnosed as suffering from the disease and took time out from the sport as he learned to cope with his new problem.

Phil added: "You can imagine how hard it is for Daniel because all kids love sweets and Daniel has to watch everything he eats.

"But he's getting there and did very well to start the sport again so soon. We are sure he'll get back to form."

Daniel's older brother, Jamie, is the current British champion for his weight, something Phil is sure Daniel can realistically aim for.

"Diabetes is a setback, but Daniel has shown it isn't a major problem when put into context," he said.

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