A Scottish diabetes charity says it was “sickened” by an “offensive” Christmas card that appeared on Tesco’s website before being pulled from sale.
Lochlan’s Legacy, set up by teenager Lochlan Murdoch, who is living with Type 1 diabetes after being diagnosed at four years old, contacted the retail giant over the card, which sparked backlash on social media.
The Christmas-themed card read: “Remember it just isn’t Christmas unless you push your body to the brink of alcoholism and diabetes.”
It is understood that the card was sold by a third-party seller on Tesco’s online marketplace and was removed.
TescoThe Christmas-themed card was pulled. Tesco
Tesco bosses are said to have since apologised for the listing and launched an urgent investigation.
Ayrshire-based Lochlan’s Legacy aims to raise awareness of all forms of diabetes and to reduce the stigma.
The charity says it has also reported the card as offensive after seeing it being sold on Amazon.
Lesley Murdoch, the charity’s manager, told STV News: “It is sickening. It is gut-wrenching that people still think it is okay to poke fun at a condition like diabetes.
“It is offensive for a lot of reasons.
“It’s really difficult to see that kind of message because it’s a battle we face a lot.
“It proves to us that we have an awful lot more to do to raise awareness and understanding.”
A spokesperson for Diabetes UK said: “Diabetes is not a joke. Comments like the one on these Christmas cards fuel the blame and judegment people with diabetes face on a daily basis – and underline why we are working so hard to combat the harm stigma causes.
“We contacted Tesco after being made aware of the cards last week and they informed us they had already taken swift action to remove them from Tesco Marketplace, where they had been on sale from a third-party supplier.
“We’re committed to striking out diabetes stigma wherever we see it and will continue to challenge the myths and misinformation that fuel it.”
STV News is now on WhatsApp
Get all the latest news from around the country
Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
