A RAINBOW of colour could be seen on the heads of St Catherine’s Primary School pupils and teachers as they helped to raise funds for Diabetes UK.

Bright wigs and outrageous hairstyles were part of a mad hair day at the school in Stratton on Wednesday, which was organised by eight-year-old Phoebe Maddison in honour of World Diabetes Day.

Phoebe, who lives in Groundwell West, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes four years ago, and is dedicated to raising funds to help find a cure.

Executive headteacher Clare-Marie Burchall said: “The whole school is delighted to support Phoebe in raising money for Diabetes UK.

“Coming to school with mad hair is one way of raising awareness of diabetes and raising much needed funds for research as well as having great fun in the process.

“It has been a great privilege, as a school, to join with Phoebe in mad hair day. Phoebe is a remarkable young lady and we are very proud to have her as a member of our school community.”

Type 1 diabetes means the body cannot regulate blood glucose levels on its own.

Phoebe, who will need four insulin injections every day for the rest of her life until a cure is found, has raised more than £1,110 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation since she started her fundraising drive.

Phoebe’s father, Antony, said: “Mad hair day was something Diabetes UK came up with for children to get involved in.

“Phoebe and her headteacher got the whole school involved.

“Phoebe was really excited and said she was very proud of how enthusiastic everyone was in getting involved with it.”

Phoebe was given a Child Of Courage award for her fundraising work as part of the Pop4Diabetes Ball in Bournemouth last month, which raised more than £5,000 for JDRF.

To donate to Phoebe’s fundraising drive for JDRF visit www.justgiving.com/phoebe-maddison.