Chris Bright to become honorary fellow of the University of Worcester

Wales Futsal international and diabetes campaigner Chris Bright is set to become an honorary fellow of the University of Worcester.

Futsal Focus has supported Chris Bright’s work for many years, and having got to know him over the years as well, he is was of the most passionate people we have met. Passionate about futsal but even more passionate about increasing awareness of Diabetes and life with chronic illness but most importantly that despite this, life can go on with diabetes and a chronic condition, and you can still make your dreams come true. Chris is an example of this, even with the difficulties he has faced, he has not allowed his condition to stop him, he is a former semi-professional footballer, he is now a Wales Futsal international, he plays for Birmingham Futsal Club with teammates like former professional football player Stiliyan Petrov in the FA National Futsal Series in England. Plus, he set up set up The Diabetes Football Community, an award-winning not-for-profit organisation. Therefore, when we read the news that he will become an honorary fellow of the University of Worcester, we were absolutely delighted for him.

🗣 “Hands up if you’ve got type 1 🙋🏻‍♂️”

A room full of young men, with type 1 diabetes all passionate about Football & Futsal ⚽️

Since 2018 we’ve been the only project making something like this happen in the UK 🇬🇧 and I couldn’t be prouder of our community @TDFCdiabetes 🤞🙏 pic.twitter.com/lRqzqxYrwG

— Chris Bright (@chrisbrighty1) July 28, 2021

Chris, who is a Type 1 diabetic, will receive the award at a graduation ceremony in November in recognition of his work with diabetes in football and futsal.

Speaking on the fellowship to Worcester News, he said: “Two weeks ago I accepted the award of an honorary fellowship at the University of Worcester, an incredible honour that came as a big shock to me.

“I’ve worked hard to make a difference but to receive something like that was completely unexpected.

During that time, the former semi-professional footballer and wellbeing coach set up The Diabetes Football Community, an award-winning not-for-profit organisation which aims to “support the needs of diabetics who share a passion for football”.

A special moment 3 years ago today….

The first ever all #type1diabetes Futsal team to ever represent the UK 🇬🇧 in the European Futsal Championships for people with Diabetes played its first competitive game.

A day, a week & a moment I’ll never forget. ⚽️🇬🇧 #GBDoc pic.twitter.com/4c1nf3u71S

— Chris Bright (@chrisbrighty1) July 22, 2021

“I feel like all I’ve done is put my efforts into something that could help others like me, using my experiences and things that I have learnt along the way to make a difference as best I could,” Chris continued.

“People talk about imposter syndrome with achievements and I feel a bit like that in this situation.

“I’m just working hard to try and right some of the wrongs I’ve experienced to try and change the future for those living with diabetes and chronic illness.”

He the video below he talks about when he found out that he had Type 1 diabetes, the impact it had, his fight to still do the things he wanted, how he has coped with the condition, and more: