In August 2 teams of 6 swimmers will be swimming the channel to raise funds for Diabetes UK. Diabetes UK is one of the leading funders of diabetes research in the UK, and the Channel is a large expanse of very cold water, 21 miles at it's narrowest point, that separates us from the rest of Europe. The distance swum by each swimmer will depend on the prevailing conditions on the day.
At the moment I'm training about 5 times a week, alone, with a club (occasionally!) and in cold water. In a typical session I will cover between 3 and 6km, swimming between one and two hours.
I recently had my first training weekend in Dover where I met all my team mates and swam 3 hour long sessions in the FREEZING cold water (my mouth was so numb I couldnt speak, much to everyone else's relief, even if only for 10 minutes!)
I have always loved swimming and competed since an early age and hearing about the DUK channel relay I was instantly keen to take part. I found out I have type 1 diabetes last year and now depend on multiple daily injections to survive and am constantly pricking my fingers to test my blood sugar; diabetes doesn't stop me doing (or eating) anything, but at the same time a cure would make life a little easier for me, and would save the sight, limbs, kidneys, vascular systems and lives of many many others. Please support my participation in this fantastic event for this most worthy cause; your donation could impact the quality of so many lives.
