Michael, who was a member of Birstall Cricket Club for 30 years, was diagnosed with the condition after falling off his bike when he was 15.

He said: "It was May 2, 1958, and not much was known about how to controlling diabetes. Nobody in my family had it or knew anyone who had it. I was given my insulin and told to stop playing sport. I did stop for a while, although I did miss it."

Michael, who was living in Pudsey at the time, admits he went a 'little of the rails' some years after his diagnosis, which landed him with a six-week stay in hospital and serious weight loss.

He said: "When I was first diagnosed my parents didn't really know what to do so I was learning as I went along.

"I kept with it, but after three or four years, in 1961, I was going through a bit of a rebellious stage. I had just started playing sport again and thought I could miss taking the insulin and balance the sugar intake with the sport.

"I woke up in Leeds General Infirmary, after being unconscious for two days, on a kidney machine. I came out weighing six and a half stones. I decided after that it was time to start taking my insulin and look after myself a bit better."

Michael, now 65 and living in Ashfield Road, said since then he has not let diabetes take over his life. He injects himself twice a day and has regular check-ups.

He said: "I joined Birstall Cricket Club in 1975 and played every week until I was 60. Now I am thinking of taking up bowls.

"I've been on the same Insulin for 30 years, and just have to make sure I keep an active life. If I don't tell you I'm diabetic, you don't know."

Despite being careful, Michael, a retired glass engineer, said there have been a few occasions where his wife, Gwen, has had to call for an ambulance.

The father-of-three said: "I was usually fine by the time the ambulance got here. It's all right, as long as you balance your food and activity with the insulin.
"I thank Gwen for being there for me, especially during those moments when I really needed her.

"I also remember an old friend Tony Beeby who spent a night with me when I was in hospital in Harrogate, and Peter Hardy, who helped when I was stuck behind the door and the paramedics couldn't get to me."