Cheque donated in memory of Flint musician

Alastair Thomas died of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) on October 2, 2018.

Known as Ali, he was a singer and musician from Flint who had two young children and died of DKA aged 35, having previously been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his early twenties.

READ MORE: Thousands to descend on town as FOCUS Wales festival returns to Wrexham

Ali, who was a pupil at St Richard Gwyn in Flint, followed his dream to be a musician after completing his studies.

The local rock star travelled across the UK to perform at various events as a soloist and as a duo in ‘The Statements’ and a group called ‘Universal Exports’.

After his death, a fundraiser was launched to raise money to help in the fight of raising awareness of Type One diabetes.

Ali's mum Dee Pinnington has been campaigning to raise awareness of the condition ever since his death in a bid to help others avoid the heartbreak of losing a loved one to diabetes.

At Dee's home on Saturday, April 30, a cheque was presented to Diabetes UK Cymru charity in memory of Ali.

PIC: Flint musician Ali Thomas who died in 2018.

She said: "The event was a great success. We welcomed two representatives from Diabetes UK Cymru who came from Cardiff. They were Joe Cuff the National Fundraiser and Leanne Jenkins National Care Advisor.

"The afternoon was filled with everyone talking of their fond memories of Ali and his music was played in the garden. We all agreed that it was something good after something so tragic.

"We would like to thank Joe and Leanne for their continued support following Ali's death. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank Dr. Steve Stanaway Medical Director from Wrexham Maelor for all his efforts in the writing of the leaflets. His support has been immeasurable.

"Thanks also to all of the businesses who have given so freely in Ali's memory and all those who continue to support remembering Ali and supporting us and our fundraising which will continue.

"We would also like to thank Josh Evans who was a friend of Ali's and is hoping to raise funds for three causes, one of these is The Ali Thomas Memorial Fund. The others are MIND and the RNLI. He is part way through three organised events, the Anglesey 10k, the Chester half marathon and the Chester Marathon.

PIC: Ali was well known throughout Flintshire and beyond for his music.

"On October 2, the date Ali died, Diabetes UK Cymru is going to remember him and do some online work around him and DKA so that other lives can be saved and that education continues to raise awareness of Type 1.

"This will be done each year on October 2 to mark the anniversary of his death."