TALENTED musician Tristan Gorman, from Nynehead, is helping to organise and play in a concert to raise money for Diabetes UK.

Tristan, 20, who sings, plays guitar and drums, is a founder member of Taunton punk band Sunset Sunday. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in June 2017.

The concert will feature London-based glitter rock musician Felix Hagan and guests at the Creative Innovation Centre in Paul Street, Taunton, on Friday, September 14.

Tristan, who studies commercial music at Bath Spa University and is a member of three bands, will play a solo set.

He has teamed up with Sarah Green, who volunteers in the south-west office of Diabetes UK and is a member of Safe Gigs for Women, to organise the concert.

Tristan was diagnosed with diabetes after becoming concerned about a sudden need to urinate frequently. He checked his symptoms on the internet and after diabetes was suggested made an appointment with his GP. His doctor referred him to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton just before he developed life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

In common with other people with Type 1 diabetes, Tristan cannot produce insulin and has to take insulin doses to stay alive. The condition cannot be prevented or cured.

Tristan said: “I was about go to the US when I was diagnosed and was also just about to start ’uni’. I ended up doing both – I was definitely not going to let diabetes stop me. I want to be involved in this gig to show other people that diabetes shouldn’t hold you back. And I also really want to support the research that Diabetes UK funds. Scientists have been looking for a cure for so long – how amazing would it be if they found one!”

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK South-West regional head, said: “This is going to be an amazing gig and we are so grateful to Tristan, our office volunteer Sarah and Felix Hagan and the other musicians involved for putting it on and donating the proceeds to Diabetes UK. Tristan is an inspiration. He is proof positive that while a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes can be tough, especially when you’re young and just setting out on your chosen path, it’s no obstacle to your future.”

Felix Hagan and the Family have been injecting excitement – and glitter – into the rock scene since 2013. They are renowned for their energetic, theatrical live shows, virtuosic musical skills and lyrical dexterity. Felix has been an occasional member of legendary singer-songwriter Frank Turner’s band the Sleeping Souls, touring the US and Canada in 2017. Felix will be playing an acoustic solo set at the Creative Innovation Centre.

Tickets are £8 online from www.creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk or £10 on the door – concessions £5.