Love swimming? If the answer’s yes, then you’re just who Diabetes UK is looking for to join theirSwim 22Challenge and raise money for research and support for people with the condition.
The idea is to swim 22 miles – the width of the Channel – but you can do it in your local pool and at your own pace, between
Swim it either individually or as part of a team. Why not get your friends and family, including young doggy paddlers, to join you? If there are 22 of you, it’s an easy way to reach the target.
I want to take the plunge and challenge myself to Swim 22
Sara Carse, Diabetes UK Northern Ireland National Care Advisor, is taking part inSwim 22because she wants a new challenge to improve her fitness levels and help raise awareness about the growing problem of diabetes in Northern Ireland.
Sara Carse said: ‘As a Diabetes Specialist Nurse, I have worked with countless people who are living with diabetes and have seen first-hand the devastation that this condition can cause in someone’s life. I want to take the plunge and challenge myself to Swim 22 so that I can do my bit to help raise awareness about diabetes as it is reaching into so many families in Northern Ireland. Exercise can significantly help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes and helps manage the condition for those already living with diabetes.
"Diabetes doesn’t care about the individual so that is why we need to do what we can to fight it and take control. I hope that more people will start talking about diabetes and seek the help and support that they may need to help manage their condition. I hope that others will join me in making a difference to their own lives by getting active while helping those already living with this serious condition."
Diabetes UK will send all participants a handy welcome pack to get them started and there will be regular support along the way. As well as being a fun way to raise money for Diabetes UK, swimming is a great way to active and maintain a healthy weight – vital to reducing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
To support Sara Carse in her Swim22 Challenge then please go to her Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sara-Carse
Kick-start a healthy lifestyle
Joe Hider, Regional Fundraising Manager for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, said: “It takes between 21 and 30 days to form a new habit, so if you’re looking to kick-start a healthy lifestyle and set yourself a great challenge, Swim 22 is for you. Getting family and friends to sponsor you, for every length, every 100 metres or even every mile, will raise money for research and support that will change people’s lives. Diabetes is one of the most devastating and fastest-growing health crises of our time. With your help, we will create a future where diabetes can do no harm.”
You don't need to be a champion swimmer to take part
Seven-times Paralympic gold medal-winning swimmer Sascha Kindred CBE said: “One of the great things about Swim 22 is that you don’t need to be a champion swimmer to take part. It’s a fantastic way to keep fit, have some family fun, get to know your workmates better or set yourself an individual challenge. Diabetes is one of the UK’s biggest health problems. Some 4.5 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, and more than 11 million in the country are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Swimming 22 miles in three months will give you a great sense of personal achievement, and any money you raise will boost Diabetes UK’s vital research, campaigning, education and support.”
Sign up toSwim 22or call 0345 123 2399. There is no closing date, so swimmers can sign up anytime so long as the challenge is completed by.
