Charity team to swim equivalent of English Channel

Charity team to swim equivalent of English Channel

A team from the South West office of Diabetes UK is swimming 22 miles – the equivalent of swimming the English Channel – to raise funds for the charity.

Diabetes UK’s Swim22 challenge gives swimmers three months to swim 22 miles in their local pool, either by themselves or by splitting the distance with teammates.

The Taunton-based team, who have dubbed themselves Diabetes UK SWimmers, are taking part in Swim 22 not only because they want to get fit, but also because they believe that charity begins at home.

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK South West Regional Head and one of the SWimmers, said: “Like many people, and as office workers, we are increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by spending too much time at our desks and not enough time moving about – so we wanted a healthy challenge. Taking part as a team means we can motivate one another to reach our target.

“We spend our working day encouraging people to be more active and maintain a healthy weight to cut their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or of life-threatening complications if they already have the condition, so it’s only right that we should practise what we preach! We want to show that it’s possible to build more physical activity into your everyday life whilst helping to raise money to fund all the vital research and support services Diabetes UK provides.

The challenge will take place between 22 February and 22 May 2017.

Vivienne Martin, Events Manager at Diabetes UK, said: “We are delighted that Phaedra and her colleagues will be diving into the pool and making a splash for Diabetes UK, and look forward to following their progress throughout the challenge.

“We hope their commitment will inspire others to take part in Swim 22 for Diabetes UK. The three-month timeframe means that whatever your fitness level there’s plenty of time to get in the pool.

“Swim22 is perfect for anyone who wants to challenge themselves to get fitter and to keep physically active. In turn it helps them to maintain a healthy weight, which can contribute to preventing the development of Type 2 diabetes.”

People with diabetes can also help manage their condition through getting plenty of exercise and eating healthily.

To sponsor Diabetes UK SWimmers, click HERE

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