'Flame of Hope' reignited at London's Banting House

A symbol of hope for millions ofCanadians with diabetes or pre-diabetes is glowing again.

The Flame of Hopethat sits outside of the Banting House National Historic Site in London, Ont. was relit Wednesday after being extinguished by vandals back in June.

"This symbol burns for 11 million Canadians with diabetes or pre-diabetes and the 460 million worldwide," saidGrant Maltman, the museum's curator.

"It's something that we take seriously and we're very glad the community responded to help us this week to get it back up as fast as we could."

Maltman said the museum is thankful to those who supported the fundraising campaign, which collected more than $20,000 for repairs.

"Thanks to the generosity of Londoners and Canadians and Americans and even some from the United Kingdom, we surpassed our fundraising target to get the flame relit."

Sir Frederick Banting lived in the home, locatedon Adelaide Streetnear Queens Ave,in 1920 and 1921. It's in that home where hethought of the idea that led to the discovery of insulin.

The Flame of Hope was first lit by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, during her visit to London in July 1989, and has burned ever since. The flame will only be put out once a cure for diabetes is found.

Maltman said that in addition to fixing the igniter and burner, Banting House will be adding new security measures in the upcoming weeks, including cameras and more lighting.

Wednesday's rekindling was just an informal event, Maltman said.The museum will have a formal ceremony on Nov.14, which is World Diabetes Day andSir Frederick Banting's birthday.

"It's a nice way for us to kick start the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin ceremonies," he added.