diabetes to a US summer camp was last night blasted by the Bermuda Diabetes Association.

Association spokesman George Smith said: "It's a really low blow to do something like this to children.'' The raider struck at the TB and Cancer Association headquarters in Pembroke, which sells raffle tickets on behalf of the special fund.

Mr. Smith said the thief apparently grabbed an envelope containing cash and raffle ticket stubs when staff were engaged elsewhere.

And he added that people who had bought the raffle tickets had been deprived of their chance to enter the November 14 draw.

But he said: "People who bought tickets from the TB and Cancer offices can get another ticket free of charge if they take their half of the old ticket in.'' The fund-raising drive is to take around 17 children aged between six and 16 to a special summer camp for diabetic children in the US next year.

Mr. Smith -- himself a diabetes sufferer -- said: "These youngsters have to go on insulin injections. It's a very difficult life for them and we try to make it a bit better for them, as well as get them around other people with diabetes.

"This is why the summer camp is very important -- it sends them away where meet professionals who can help them. It's a very special camp and a very special occasion for them.''