A RUDHEATH diabetic is launching a magazine to empower mums and raise money for charity Diabetes UK.

Newly-wed Hayley McDonnell, 35, pictured right, will be donating a portion of the profit from Mums In Control - a free magazine that will feature editorial and advertising content aimed at mums of school age and pre-school children - to the charity.

She said: "I'm doing it all myself. I'm getting out there and speaking to people.

"There will be articles on business women who are mums and I hope to inspire readers to get back in contol and work in a way that suits them and there families."

Hayley had hoped to start trying for a family with husband Nick, but was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes - the most serious form - last year.

Until her blood sugar levels are stabilised, doctors have told her not to try to conceive.

The Shipbrook Road resident said: "We got married in August so starting a family was the plan but now we've been told we can't do that.

"Once my sugar levels stabilise, we will be able to try but there will be more complications than a normal pregnancy and I'll have to be closely monitored.

"It's all come as such a shock, I had no idea.

"I'm not overweight or over 40 but this is for life now and that's one of the things I've got to get my head round."

The hardest part for Hayley has been adapting to the four daily injections she has to give herself, having just discovered that she is needle phobic.

She has also had to transform her diet and exercise regimes, and can only drink a small portion of alcohol.

"Whereas I'd normalliy go out and have a few drinks, I can't so I just have to put that to the side. It means I've become the designated driver," she said.

Mums In Control is due for launch in March and will be available in doctor's surgeries, libraries, hairdressers, nursery groups, and beauty salons.