John invited people to celebrate Lyla’s life and raise awareness of type I diabetes
Lyla Story died aged two after developing type 1 diabetes(Image: The Story family)
Businesses across Yorkshire are invited to support a charity race night celebrating the life of Lyla Story, a two-year-old toddler from Hull who tragically died from undiagnosed type 1 diabetes last year.
The race night will be held from 7pm on Saturday, April 11, at the Rising Sun Pub in Mizzen Road, off Beverley Road in Hull. Marking what would have been Lyla’s third birthday, it will celebrate the life of the “caring, kind and beautiful” little girl, fondly remembered for her infectious smile and the biggest heart.
Lyla’s family are calling on local businesses to get involved by sponsoring races, donating raffle prizes or attending the event, helping to raise vital funds and increase awareness in her memory. The evening will feature eight races and one auction race, with horses available to purchase for £5 each.
All funds raised will go directly to the HEY Kids Type 1 Diabetes Children & Family Support Group, which provides support to families affected by the condition.
On May 3, 2025, John’s daughter, Lyla Story, tragically died in her sleep just 16 hours after being diagnosed with tonsillitis by a GP, even though she was presenting classic symptoms linked to type 1 diabetes, such as a higher number of wet nappies, extreme tiredness, increased thirst and overnight weight loss.
To honour their daughter’s memory and to safeguard other children going forward, her family launched a petition advocating for Lyla’s Law, which would legislate NICE Guideline NG18, to make routine diabetes testing mandatory for babies, toddlers, children and adolescents whenever any of the ‘4 Ts’ appear: Toileting, Thirst, Tiredness and Thinning.
Determined to prevent other families experiencing similar heartbreak, Lyla’s father, John Story has secured a Westminster Hall debate on Monday, March 9, to discuss the case for introducing mandatory type 1 diabetes testing for babies, toddlers and young children as a routine part of medical assessments whenever symptoms are present.
John said: “This race night is not just a fundraiser, it is a celebration of Lyla’s life. It is a moment for our community to stand with us, and it is a way to push forward the change that should have protected her.
“By supporting this race night, businesses and our community can help turn Lyla’s story into action, raising awareness of the 4 Ts, driving Lyla’s Law forward and protecting other children.”
He added: “Every contribution is a step towards change that keeps her memory alive in the most meaningful way.”
John is due to meet the Health Secretary on Tuesday, March 10, to continue discussions on the Lyla’s Law campaign. The Lyla’s Law petition can be found on Parliament UK.
For more information about the dangers of type 1 diabetes in babies and infants, watch John’s YouTube video. If anyone wishes to offer sponsorship for the Lyla’s Law race night, they are asked to please message John on his Facebook page.
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