A woman from Melksham is making a splash for Diabetes UK by taking part in a 22-mile swimming challenge to raise vital funds for the charity.
Sarah Barker is taking part in Swim 22 because she wanted to challenge herself and raise money for the charity. Swim 22 will see participants swim 22 miles (the distance across the English Channel) in their local pool, to help Diabetes UK support people with the condition and fund pioneering research into diabetes.
Sarah said, “My nan has Type 2 diabetes and my friend has Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes UK does great work for people living with the condition so I hope that people will support this fantastic cause. I’m really enjoying how Swim 22 is raising money for a great cause while keeping me fit and improving my stamina for swimming.”
People with Type 1 diabetes produce no insulin, and so have to treat it with daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or an insulin pump – and by following a healthy diet and taking regular physical activity. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and it is not known what causes it.
People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly (known as insulin resistance). 85 to 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2. Risk factors include being overweight, especially if you have a large tummy, you’re African-Caribbean, Black African, Chinese or South Asian, you’re aged over 40 (or over 25 if you are South Asian) or you have a parent, child, brother or sister with diabetes.
The challenge is taking place between Sunday 22nd February and Friday 22nd May 2015, with people swimming 22 miles over the course of the three months. Sarah is using the pool at Trowbridge Centre.
Mark Howlett, Diabetes UK South West regional fundraiser said, “We are delighted that Sarah will be diving into the pool and making a splash for Diabetes UK, and look forward to following her progress throughout the challenge. We hope Sarah’s commitment will inspire others in Melksham to take the plunge for Diabetes UK.
“Swim 22 is perfect for anyone who wants to challenge themselves to get fitter and to keep physically active, which also helps prevent Type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes can help manage their condition through getting plenty of exercise and eating healthily.”
To support Sarah visit www.justgiving.com/SarahBarker1987 or text DBUK61 with the amount of your donation to 70070. To find out more about Swim 22 visit www.dia betes.org.uk/swim22
