Philomena Mullen, of St Eithne’s Park, Foyle Springs, was diagnosed with diabetes when she was just ten years old and has battled the illness every day for the last forty years.

Diabetes has left her blind in one eye and weakened her heart to such an extent that she had to undergo a triple-bypass three years ago.

She celebrated her fiftieth birthday on Monday by going to see ‘The Sound of Music’ in London’s West End.

Philomena said: “There has been a lot of progress in the treatment of diabetes since I was diagnosed forty years ago. The illness led to me losing the sight in my right eye and I’ve been in hospital loads of times for major operations.”

Philomena worked in St Brigid’s High School, Omagh, and Trench Road Primary School, but gave up teaching two years ago.

She said: “It’s a miracle that I only lost the sight in one eye. The doctors told me it was likely that I’d lose the sight in both. But then again, they also told me I’d never see fifty.”

She is undertaking a diploma in counselling at North West Regional College, worked with special needs children during her time at Trench Road PS, and continues to lead an active life.

“My mother always told me to accept diabetes as part of my life. There has been a lot of advances in the quality of diabetics’ lives over the years and I’ve always tried to live as normal a life as possible - just to live, and make the most of life.

“Lots of people are amazed that I’ve made it to fifty because of all the complications I’ve had but I’ve never let diabetes get the better of me.”

A keen supporter of diabetes charities, she has devoted a lot of her time to helping young people cope with the illness. Philomena attended the Diabetic Youth Camp every summer for 16 years and helped children in the 8 - 14 age group come to terms with the illness.

Philomena’s brother Christopher, a community worker who lives in Wembley, is very proud of his sister’s inner strength

Christopher said: “We lost a brother and a sister tragically young and Philomena has been a constant support to our mum through the hard times.

Never held me back

“Despite her illness, Philomena has always been a rock for our family and is always there to offer help and support when it’s needed.”

Philomena said: “I’m very proud of my mother. She always encouraged me and never held me back. I think she is one of the reasons that I’ve always been able to fight back from serious illness.”

Since her triple bypass, Philomena has enjoyed a better quality of life and looks forward to getting over to London to visit Christopher whenever she can.

He said: “Philomena has to give herself five injections everyday and check her bloods four times a day, but she has never wrapped herself in cotton wool. “She’s a real inspiration.”