"His friends know that if he's swimming he has to check his bloods because he can't think straight, it drops his blood sugar so much."
There is no normal when it comes to diabetes, everyone reacts differently, so it was about getting to know what it meant for Jonathan.
When he was diagnosed at the age of 4, the news was "earth-shattering" for parents Karen and Brad.
There was no history in the family and while they understood the term, they were not equipped to deal with it.
"I knew about diabetes but we didn't know about it personally; it's like our world crumbled.
"I remember asking how long he had to live."
When Jonathan was about 5 they moved from a regular diabetes clinic to the care of doctor Janet Titchner and adopted an "American"-style flexible insulin regime.
That meant checking bloods constantly to stay ahead of any ups and downs, something Mrs Spurgeon credits for her son's good health. "We have had 24 hour a day access to Janet but because she's trained us so well I can't remember the last time we rang her. It's a very individual thing."
Despite it being under control, living with diabetes is difficult and never lets up - that's why the Spurgeon's are fundraising to send Jonathan to a type 1 camp in America, where he can bond with others dealing with the same thing. "They will be doing activities like walking a rope course but at the same time they are all living with diabetes."
His siblings have been busking in Hastings CBD and at rest homes, there will also be a family fundraising variety concert featuring Irish dancing, piano, singing and an appearance by Alex Wishart, from Hogsnort Robert.
The event is on May 23 from 4pm to 6pm at Hastings Baptist Church and tickets are $5 per person or $20 for a family on the door.
- Should anyone wish to donate, , they have a Givealittle page: givealittle.co.nz/cause/diabetesyouthcampexperience