MICHELLE SHARPLES

Hi, I’m Michelle.  I’m 37 years old, live in Bolton and work as a Global Assurance Manager for Barclays Bank.

My uncle had diabetes and sadly passed away recently.  I really want to raise money to help Diabetes UK enable people to understand diabetes and how to cope with it and improve their lives.

I am doing the challenge for two reasons; I have a passion for swimming in open water and am working towards my goal of a solo crossing in 2009 and I want to raise money for a well deserved charity.

I’m under no illusion this will be easy!  Cold, jelly fish and container ships spring to mind.  However, what will drive me to succeed (and I will succeed), apart from the team members, will be raising money for this charity and helping others with the money raised.