But when they arrive in Canberra amid yet another political storm and a change in prime ministers, the visit became one to remember.

Charlotte Kennedy, 11, and her mum Emily Atcheson represented the federal electorate of Cowper when they went to Canberra to take part in the Kids in the House movement. The visit aimed to raise awareness and secure more funding for research into Type 1 diabetes.

“It was really great to be able to go to Canberra and meet with more than 100 families of kids with Type 1 diabetes and use our united voice to ask our politicians to fund research into the future,” Ms Atcheson said. 

“Considering that while we were there, there was a change in prime ministers, it was a great win for us to be able to hold 104 meetings with elected MPs and really champion the importance of funding research into Type 1 diabetes.

“It was a pretty mad week but Charlotte was really proud to meet Luke Hartsuyker in Parliament House and we’re really grateful for the care and concern all the politicians showed towards the kids.”

Ms Atcheson said it was “pretty amazing” and the group certainly “made an impact” when they were in town.

The causes of Type 1 diabetes are still not fully understood, though genetic and environmental triggers play a role. 

There is also currently no way to prevent or cure Type 1 diabetes and Ms Atcheson said when Charlotte was first diagnosed it was a real shock.

“When Charlotte was diagnosed it was eye-opening at just what we needed to do in order for her to be healthy,” she said.

“Initially we were put in touch with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) which helped us with information and support in the early days.

“It was such a learning curve that we had to educate ourselves quickly for the sake of Charlotte.” 

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong auto-immune disease that destroys the body’s ability to produce insulin, a hormone which is vital for life. 

People can be diagnosed with the disease at any age, though diagnosis is most common in children.

The JDRF is asking for $50 million over five years which will be used to fund clinical trials and help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

As a government advocate for JDRF, Charlotte is an active representative for the 122,300 children and adults in Australia with type 1 diabetes and said going to Canberra was great fun.

“In Canberra I was able to meet with lots of kids from all over the country who have Type 1 diabetes – like me,” Charlotte said.

“We didn’t get to meet Malcolm Turnbull but we all still had lots of fun.

“I made friends with a few kids from Queensland and it was cool that we were given a tour by Luke (Hartsuyker).

“It was really interesting to learn all about Parliament House and I even got to see deputy prime minister Michael McCormack’s office and sit in his chair.”

Their trip to Canberra coincided with the release of The Numbers That Count, a booklet that detailed how Type 1 diabetes is associated with a significantly increased risk of serious health complications including blindness, heart disease, stroke and nerve damage.

“I would like politicians to understand these are the numbers that really count and that a cure would mean everything to us,” she said.

“A life free of emergency hospital trips, 3am wake-ups and blood sugar fingerpricks, and an end to pain – that would be heaven.”