My story
Brendan Paul Joseph Hyland was born on June 2, 1976, in Dublin, Ireland. At age 10, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition that shaped much of his life but never defined him.
Brendan studied Biochemistry and Education in college and became a secondary school Biology teacher. His love of science gave him a deep understanding of his illness, and he was often praised by doctors for how well he managed it. However, he had an especially complex form of diabetes, referred to as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of diabetes by one doctor (!) and many standard treatments didn’t work for him. Undeterred, he dedicated himself to researching new therapies & interventions, even successfully campaigning in 2015 for the NHS to fund inhalable insulin, Alfrezza. Watch here: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/diabetes-sufferer-desperate-for-life-changing-treatment-193946/.
When health challenges led him to leave teaching, Brendan excelled in educational sales, earning a reputation as a driven and trusted professional. He also had a passion for fitness and loved leading Body Pump classes at his gym.
What truly defined Brendan was his zest for life. Perhaps because of his condition, he never took a single day for granted. He was generous to a fault, always choosing the best for himself and others. He adored his nieces and nephews and was often the biggest kid in the room, full of energy and joy.
Brendan was the epitome of a “good guy”—kind, accepting, and non-judgmental. His presence left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.
Six years ago, Brendan’s life changed for the better when he met the love of his life, Lindsay. Although their time together was heartbreakingly short, it was filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Among the most treasured was welcoming their beloved and most 'pampered pooch', Zukie, into their lives. Brendan often said he had the time of his life with Lindsay (& Zukie)—and those close to him saw how truly happy he was.
He will be deeply and forever missed.
Brendan studied Biochemistry and Education in college and became a secondary school Biology teacher. His love of science gave him a deep understanding of his illness, and he was often praised by doctors for how well he managed it. However, he had an especially complex form of diabetes, referred to as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of diabetes by one doctor (!) and many standard treatments didn’t work for him. Undeterred, he dedicated himself to researching new therapies & interventions, even successfully campaigning in 2015 for the NHS to fund inhalable insulin, Alfrezza. Watch here: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/tunbridge-wells/news/diabetes-sufferer-desperate-for-life-changing-treatment-193946/.
When health challenges led him to leave teaching, Brendan excelled in educational sales, earning a reputation as a driven and trusted professional. He also had a passion for fitness and loved leading Body Pump classes at his gym.
What truly defined Brendan was his zest for life. Perhaps because of his condition, he never took a single day for granted. He was generous to a fault, always choosing the best for himself and others. He adored his nieces and nephews and was often the biggest kid in the room, full of energy and joy.
Brendan was the epitome of a “good guy”—kind, accepting, and non-judgmental. His presence left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.
Six years ago, Brendan’s life changed for the better when he met the love of his life, Lindsay. Although their time together was heartbreakingly short, it was filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Among the most treasured was welcoming their beloved and most 'pampered pooch', Zukie, into their lives. Brendan often said he had the time of his life with Lindsay (& Zukie)—and those close to him saw how truly happy he was.
He will be deeply and forever missed.