A web designer form Clayton-le-Woods is swimming 22 miles – the equivalent of swimming the English Channel – to raise funds for Diabetes UK.
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.
Website designer Nick Else takes on challenge for second year in a row after losing 100lbs.
Nick Else, 31, is taking part in Swim 22 for the second year in a row after losing 100lbs in the past year, following a warning from his doctor that he was at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Nick said: “After turning 30 last year, I decided to make lifestyle changes as I had been told that I was at ‘high risk’ of heart disease and developing Type 2 diabetes. After reaching the 300lb mark and many years of not being happy with my weight, I put a plan in place to see if I could lose 100lbs within the year.”
“At first at thought it was unachievable but I wanted to set myself a goal. This is where Diabetes UK’s Swim 22 played a huge part. I signed up to the challenge and having something to work towards really helped shape the first few months of my journey. I also managed to raise over £500. This is why I want to take part again, to keep up the momentum, to stay active and to help support the work of the charity.”
Nick will be completing the challenge, which will take place between 22 February and 22 May 2017, at his local gym, Action Nation Chorley.
No longer at risk of Type 2 diabetes
Nick, who has lost 119lbs over the past year, continued: “Whilst I’m super proud of achieving the weight loss, the health benefits have been crazy. At my last physical in December I was told I was no longer at high risk of heart disease or Type 2 diabetes.”
Maria Whittaker, Diabetes UK Fundraising Manager, said: “We are delighted that Nick will be diving into the pool and making a splash for Diabetes UK for the second year running, and look forward to following his progress throughout the challenge.
“We hope his commitment will inspire others in the Chorley area to take on this challenge for Diabetes UK. The three-month timeframe means that whatever your fitness level there’s plenty of time to get in the pool , and you can even split the distance with teammates if that feels more manageable.
“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.”
Nick added: “I hope my story helps to inspire someone to make a change and to push themselves into doing something different. You never know where it might take you.”
If Nick has inspired you to take on this challenge, sign up for Swim 22 now atwww.diabetes.org.uk/swim22. There is no closing date, so you can sign up anytime so long as you complete the challenge by 22 May 2017
