Drawing attention to diabetes after being diagnosed aged two

World Diabetes Day for Zion

- BY SHANNON MILLER

Deborah gives her son Zion a big cuddle

THE parents of little Zion Williams will never forget the shock of learning their son had type 1 diabetes, at the age of two.

Deborah and Cephas also recall how distressing it was to give him those first painful insulin injections as all the family came to terms with adjusting to his condition.

Deborah says. "It's heartbreaking for your son to beg you not to do something that you know you need to do to keep him alive."

Luckily, Zion a bright, sunny child - soon adapted and, now five, he is thriving and taking part in World Diabetes Day with Draw for Diabetes, the first 12-hour art marathon to help spread awareness.

From 8am to 8pm today, Zion, who is joined on the art marathon by his whole year at school, will draw live on YouTube with help from family, friends and other artists.

Every so often he will reveal a new drawing, with guest takeovers while he rests. Everyone is invited to join in by posting their drawing online.

"Zion's loved drawing since he was two. It is all about raising awareness. He is so excited. He loves challenges," Deborah says.