Young patient Auley meets idol and fellow diabetic warrior Nick Jonas

Young patient Auley (Age 8) had the best night of his life when he was invited onstage at the Jonas Brothers concert at the OVO Hydro, Glasgow!

Auley, who is Type 1 diabetic, was over the moon to meet his idol, Nick Jonas, who shares the same condition as him and has been an inspiration throughout his diabetes journey.

This is Auley’s story in the words of his Mum, Meghann.

Auley's hospital journey

'On the morning of 1st June 2022, I found Auley unconscious in what we later found out to be a diabetic coma. He was immediately rushed to Glasgow Children's Hospital where he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and spent 10 days in hospital on an insulin drip.'

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and without it, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. This buildup, known as hyperglycemia, can damage the body's organs over time.

'Within a few hours, our lives had completely changed. It was a terrifying experience.’

Meghann, Auley’s Mum

Before the coma, Auley had shown no previous symptoms of diabetes. Seemingly overnight, Auley had gone from being a healthy six year old boy, to needing up to 12 insulin injections a day in order to function properly.'

'From then on, Auley became a regular patient with the diabetic team at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow.'

‘The hospital staff take excellent care of Auley and he has benefitted from a number of charity-funded services over the last two years, including the Play Team and the Teddy Hospital.’

'Two months ago, Auley was fitted with an insulin pump, a small electronic device that releases the regular insulin his body needs through the day and night — so he no longer requires insulin injections.'

'The insulin pump has been completely life-changing for Auley, as it provides more freedom and allows him to play sport more easily. Auley loves playing football and trains as a goalkeeper with United Sports in Cambuslang.’

‘We're so grateful to the diabetic team at the children's hospital who take such excellent care of Auley and help him lead a healthy and active life.’

Role model

‘Unfortunately, there is no cure for Type 1 Diabetes and we know that Auley will require hospital care throughout his life.’

'When Auley was first diagnosed at age six, I searched for celebrities with type 1 diabetes to show Auley that he can still lead a full and healthy life despite his condition.’

Nick Jonas was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2005 when he was 14 and has spoken openly about his diabetes journey throughout his career, helping to raise awareness about the symptoms of diabetes and to inspire other young people living with the condition.

Nick Jonas performing at the OVO Hydro in glasgow on 13th september. picture taken from the jONAS brothers Facebook Page. 

‘Nick Jonas is an amazing role model for diabetic kids like my son, and Auley is a huge fan of him and his music.'

meghann, auley's mum

‘When I heard that the Jonas Brothers were performing at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, I knew I had to take Auley to see them.’

'The best night of my life!'

'Auley wore his favourite blue tracksuit to the concert made for him by one of my friends, which has the slogan, 'Powered by Insulin' printed on it.’

'Our seats were near the front of the stage and Auley was up dancing the whole time. The atmosphere was amazing, he was absolutely loving it!’

‘Halfway through the concert, Nick spotted Auley in his onesie and gave him one of his drumsticks! Auley was over the moon, he couldn’t believe it.'

'To make things even better, during their last song, 'I Believe', Auley was invited to join the brothers on stage!'

‘Nick gave him a huge hug and told him that he’s an inspiration!'

AULEY ONSTAGE WITH THE JONAS BROTHERS at the OVO Hydro in glasgow on 13th september. picture taken from the jONAS brothers Facebook Page. 

‘Auley had the most incredible time. He says it was the best night of his life! He couldn’t wait to tell everyone about it at school on Monday!’

‘Our family are so grateful to the Jonas Brothers for making Auley’s night so special, and to Nick for being such an amazing role model.’

Signed posters

As well as making Auley's night so special, the Jonas Brothers kindly donated a number of autographed posters to our young patients at Glasgow Children's Hospital.

In a video message on TikTok, the brothers said:

'Hi everyone, it’s us the Jonas Brothers. We’re playing tonight in Glasgow and we wanted to send a special shout out to all of the amazing kids at Glasgow Children’s Hospital. We know some of you might be at the show tonight, but for those who can't make it, we are so sad that we couldn't see you in person tonight, but we're thinking of you and sending some autographed posters over to our friends at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity to hopefully cheer you up. Stay strong and keep being awesome! We love you guys.'

The jonas brothers

Nick, Joe and Kevin - from everyone at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, thank you for your incredible kindness.