The founder of a holiday camp for diabetic children is delighted that friends of flight MH17 victim Richard Mayne are raising money for the charity.
Dr Peter Swift, who set up the annual Charnwood Camp for county youngsters, said the money would be vital in helping to keep the holiday treat running.
Richard, 20, from Western Park, Leicester, had been at the camp as a youngster and as a leader.
Dr Swift said: "What these young men are doing in the name of their friend Richard Mayne is wonderful.
"We rely on money we can raise each year from raffles, other events and donations, so for us to be benefiting in this way is most appreciated."
Dr Swift, president of the Leicestershire Parents' Support Group of Diabetes UK, set up the first Charnwood Camp in 1984, at Quorn Hall.
This year's camp was held at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, from Wednesday until yesterday, and entertained 55 youngsters
Dr Swift said: "The main idea was to give children with diabetes a fun holiday and, particularly, give them a chance to get involved in activities they would not ordinarily experience.
"We got them involved in canoeing, climbing and going for long walks in the countryside.
"The camp was a chance to show the children how they could have diabetes but lead a full life at the same time."
Youngster Bailey Davis, from Barwell, who was diagnosed with diabetes when he was three, was at the camp.
The 13-year-old said: "This is my second year at the camp and it is just as good as last year.
"It is great to be able to meet other people who are suffering from diabetes and to make new friends.
"The highlight for me is the trip to Alton Towers."
Hannah Keefe, from Loughborough, said she was having a good time acting as a camp leader.
Hannah, 26, who was diagnosed as diabetic as a 10-year-old, said: "I came here lots of times as a young person, so this is my way of giving something back."
Fellow camp leader Grace Hetterley, of Stocking Farm, Leicester, said she had benefited from the camp after being diagnosed with diabetes at five years old.
The 21-year-old said: "Being a camp leader is very fulfilling.
"I knew Richard Mayne and he was a great camp leader and a great guy.
"We all miss him so much."
Dr Swift said it was a tragedy that Richard had been killed in the air disaster.
He said: "He was a truly special young man."
At least six friends and former housemates of Richard from Leeds University are to tackle an extreme 10 to 12-mile obstacle course, the Tough Mudder, to raise money for the diabetes group.
By yesterday, the total raised by the lads had gone past the £1,600 mark.
To donate to the Leicestershire Parents' Support Group of Diabetes UK, go to its Justgiving page at:
www.justgiving.com/ Richard-Mayne2
