Young diabetes sufferer connected with his favourite AFL player

Sports radio program The Waterboys recently connected a young Tasmanian with his favourite AFL player who shares the same condition as him. 

Nash Barber from Seven Mile Beach idolises Paddy McCartin who also lives with type-1 diabetes. 

In a five-minute phone call broadcast on the show, the Sydney Swans defender shared some words of wisdom.

“Just try and get as much help as you can,” McCartin said.

“Use your parents, your teachers at school, your doctors.”

“Don’t be afraid to talk about it if you’ve got any problems or things going on because everyone always wants to help.”

The pair were both diagnosed with type-1 diabetes around the same age.

Producer of The Waterboys and WIN News sports journalist Brent Costelloe says the show was thrilled to bring the two together.

“Our program is known for fun and frivolity but to put that aside and focus on a serious health issue that affects many people across the world is fantastic.”

Plans are now in place to link Barber and his hero together, this time in person, when he attends the Swans match-up against the Lions at the GABBA later this season.

“For Paddy to be able to share his time and make a young fan’s day shows the quality of the person he is,” Brownless said.

Barber is a passionate Essendon supporter but admits Sydney is now his second-favourite team.

The nine-year-old was also announced as the winner of The Good Sport Award, where he receives $100 to spend at Intersport.