Taunton musician puts the beat in diabetes

Taunton musician puts the beat in diabetes

A Taunton musician with Type 1 diabetes is organising a gig with the aim of helping other people with the condition.

Tristan Gorman, 20, from Nynehead, has teamed up with Sarah Green, who volunteers in the South West office of Diabetes UK and is also a member of Safe Gigs for Women, to bring London-based glitter rock phenomenon Felix Hagan and guests to CICCIC on Friday, 14th September.

Taunton musician puts the beat in diabetes
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Tristan, who studies commercial music at Bath Spa University and is a member of three bands, will play a solo set. All profits will go to Diabetes UK.

Talented musician Tristan, who sings, plays guitar and drums, is a founder member of Taunton punk band Sunset Sunday.

He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just over a year ago in June 2017. After becoming concerned about a sudden need to pee frequently, he googled his symptoms. When the same answer – “diabetes” – kept coming up, Tristan made a next-day appointment with his GP. His doctor referred him to Musgrove Park Hospital just before he developed life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

In common with other people with Type 1 diabetes, Tristan cannot produce insulin and has to take insulin doses in order to stay alive. The condition cannot be prevented or cured.

Tristan Gorman said: “I was about go to the US when I was diagnosed and was also just about to start uni. I ended up doing both – I was definitely not going to let diabetes stop me. I want to be involved in this gig to show other people that diabetes shouldn’t hold you back.”

“I also really want to support the research that Diabetes UK funds. Scientists have been looking for a cure for so long – how amazing would it be if they found one!”

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK south west regional head, said: “This is going to be an amazing gig and we are so grateful to Tristan, our office volunteer Sarah and of course Felix Hagan and the other musicians involved for putting it on and donating the proceeds to Diabetes UK. Tristan is an inspiration. He is proof positive that while a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes can be tough, especially when you’re young and just setting out on your chosen path, it’s no obstacle to your future.”

Felix Hagan and the Family have been injecting excitement – and glitter – into the rock scene since 2013. They are renowned for their energetic, theatrical live shows, virtuosic musical skills and lyrical dexterity. Felix has been an occasional member of legendary singer songwriter Frank Turner’s band, the Sleeping Souls, touring the US and Canada in 2017. Felix will be playing an acoustic solo set at CICCIC.

Felix Hagan and guests will be performing at CICCIC, Paul Street, Taunton on Friday, 14 September at 7.30pm, tickets £8 online from www.creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk or £10 on the door. Concessions £5.

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