Swim the distance of the Channel in your local pool for charity
Diabetes UK Cymru is looking for people in Rhondda Cynon Taf to take on its Swim22 challenge and swim the distance of the English Channel at their own pace.
Swimmers will get three months, from February 22 to May 22, to swim 22 miles in their local pool though they can sign up any time before the end date. They can either take part on their own or as part of a team. There is no limit on team size, so keen swimmers can do it by themselves, or 22 swimmers can take on a mile each.
Everyone from swimming pros to doggy paddlers have plenty of time to take on the distance – and be able to say at the end that they have swum the distance across the Channel.
The Swim22 website helps swimmers to keep track of how many lengths have been completed and earn badges.
As well as being a fun way of raising money for Diabetes UK Cymru, swimming is a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy weight, which is key to reducing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Joseph Cuff, Fundraising Officer for Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “If you’re looking for a challenge to help keep fit then Swim22 is the event for you. It takes roughly 50 lengths a week in a 50-metre pool to cover the distance, so it is a real challenge that is still achievable. And you can split that distance with other swimmers and say you worked together to swim the distance to France.
“There are thousands of people in Rhondda Cynon Taf with diabetes and raising funds through our Swim22 challenge will help us at Diabetes UK to support people with the condition – and one day find a cure.”
Sir Steve Redgrave who won gold medals in five successive Olympic Games and has Type 2 diabetes, said: “Getting in the pool is a great way to stay fit and healthy, and Swim22 is a fantastic idea. Why not join the thousands of people who will be able to say they have swum the distance of the Channel, while raising money for a great cause?
“Whether you’re still developing your stroke or an Olympian in the water, this challenge works for everybody. I am often asked by people for advice about living with diabetes and keeping healthy and active with events like this is a great way to start.
“As a proud ambassador and supporter of Diabetes UK I have seen some of the vital work you will help fund. This work in research, campaigning, and offering education and support to the 4 million people in the UK living with the condition, and millions more at risk of Type 2 diabetes, couldn’t be more crucial.”
Sir Steve Redgrave was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1997 and is Vice President of Diabetes UK.
For more information and to sign up visit www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22 or call 0345 123 2399. There is no closing date, so swimmers can sign up anytime so long as the challenge is completed by 22 May 2016.
