HOLLYWOOD A-lister Robert Downey Jr has given a Trowbridge support group that supports children with type 1 diabetes his seal of approval after being photographed with one of its toy bears.

The Adventures of the Insulin Gang Travelling Bears, set up by mum-of-three Donna-Michelle Donkin, sends toy bears and a journal to children with with the condition so they can share their experiences.

Last weekend, a recipient of one of the bears met up with the Oscar-nominated actor in the US, and he posed for a photo with his furry friend.

“To have someone like Robert Downey Jr promote what we do is fantastic,” said Ms Donkin, of Azalea Drive, whose 15-year-old daughter Cerys was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes six years ago.

“Ethan, who lives in Essex, was in Great Ormond Street Hospital with one of my bears and he got a visit from Robert who thought the project was really cool.

“He was kind enough to invite Ethan to America and then he posed with one of our bears.

"Some children have never talked about their health until the visit from our bear. Type 1 diabetes is an auto immune condiiton meaning daily injections and blood tests and that is tough to go through.

"I have two support groups, one is The Insulin Gang and has more than 4,000 members and another is the Adventures of the Insulin Gang Travelling Bears with 1,300 members, both on Facebook.

“We more than 50 bears dotted around the world and having that support network is wonderful.”

For more information email donnamichellehall@hotmail.com