A COURAGEOUS young 'warrior' who battled for life a year ago is now helping other children.

Evan Milton, from Barnton, suddenly fell ill and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

The eight-year-old is now striving to find a cure and has just raised more than £1,600 after completing a 100-hour winter camp.

Dad Pete, 50, said: "Evan was rushed into hospital and was suffering with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Evan recovering in Leighton Hospital after being treated for diabetic ketoacidosis

Evan recovering in Leighton Hospital after being treated for diabetic ketoacidosis

Evan recovering in Leighton Hospital after being treated for diabetic ketoacidosis

"Leighton Hospital saved his life. The doctors, nurses, staff and a 24-hour diabetic support team were just incredible, enabling his body to stabilise and balance.

"After just 36 hours with drips, insulin, oxygen and monitoring all his vitals, he was on the road to recovery."

Pete and Evan are mounting a year of challenges based around the number 100 as it is 100 years since the discovery of insulin, the first time that diabetes could be managed.

Evan and dad Pete launching their 100-hour winter camp

Evan and dad Pete launching their 100-hour winter camp

Evan and dad Pete launching their 100-hour winter camp

"We want to help find a cure so that Evan and all the other Type 1 superheroes can live a life with more freedom," said dad-of-two Pete.

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Their first challenge, camping in the back garden over the weekend was a great success.

"We were only allowed indoors for the toilet," said Pete. "The response has been brilliant. We are so proud of Evan, we want to put something back.

"I will be undertaking 100 miles of obstacles course races including a 20-mile obstacle course in May."

Evan, who attends Comberbach Primary School, has faced his illness with resilience and determination.

Evan and dad Pete are mounting a year of challenges to help fund a cure for Type 1 diabetes

Evan and dad Pete are mounting a year of challenges to help fund a cure for Type 1 diabetes

Evan and dad Pete are mounting a year of challenges to help fund a cure for Type 1 diabetes

"He has never once let it hold him back," said Pete. "Every day he has four to six injections of insulin, plus countless blood sugar and ketone checks.

"He has coped with the constant struggle to keep his blood sugar levels in the right zone. He is a growing boy so h is insulin needs constantly change.

"Throughout it all he is constantly smiling, still running around at 100 miles an hour, is mischievous and funny, plays football, climbs trees and plays endless chase games with his dog, Rufus.

"We count carbohydrates for every meal and he has accepted that he doesn't have the same freedom or choices when it comes to simple things like having a sweet, an ice cream or a simple snack."

Evan has now learnt to administer his own injections.

"I couldn't be prouder of the little warrior that he is," said Pete. "However we want there to be a cure. So we will be settin goff on a year of challenges to raise money for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/evan-milton