Portadown woman calls on Co Armagh people to make a splash in Diabetes UK challenge
A Portadown woman who has lived with type 1 diabetes for most of her life is encouraging other people to rise to the challenge of a sponsored event that will help them get fitter and raise valuable charity funds at the same time.
Millie Davison said taking part in Diabetes UK’s Swim 22 swiming challenge has had a “massive” impact on her health.
The fundraiser runs between March 22 and June 22 and involves swimming a total of 22 miles – the distance from England to France. Participants can take on the challenge at their own pace, in their local pool or the open water, accumulating the 22 miles across the course of the 12 weeks.
All funds raised will go towards Diabetes UK’s work, funding life-saving research and helping people living with diabetes to get the care and support they need.
Millie, who is 41, took part in Swim22 as Diabetes UK was a cause close to her heart as she has lived with type 1 diabetes for nearly 40 years.
She said: “From when I was diagnosed at a young age, my parents ran diabetes meetings in our local hospital and held collection days in different towns. I wanted to add to their support by raising funds myself through a physical challenge that pushed me out of my comfort zone.
"Swim22 really was a challenge, as it says. Hard, but massively rewarding in the end. Throughout it I noticed some weight loss and my fitness levels definitely increased. I’d discovered a type of exercise that I love, and I no longer have a fear of swimming in deep water.
"I’d highly recommend others to consider Swim22. I found those 12 weeks of swimming easily became part of my daily routine and had such a massive impact on my health.”
Tina McCrossan, national director of Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, added: “Whether you haven’t swum in a while or you’re a seasoned swimmer, our team will be on hand to offer swimming tips and fundraising advice along the way.
"By taking on Swim22, you’ll not only be swimming towards a fitter, more confident you. Every length you swim and every pound you raise helps us fund more research for new treatments, campaign for better care, and provide vital support to people who need us through our helpline. So, please, sign up to Swim22 and make a splash for Diabetes UK.”
People can take part alone or with family, friends, or colleagues.
In addition to the standard 22-mile distance, there are also two other challenges to choose from. Participants can do ‘The Half’, covering 11 miles or more experienced swimmers may wish to take on ‘The Double’ – swimming 44 miles.
There are rewards on offer for challengers, including three unique distance medals, a Swim22 tote bag and exclusive water bottle.
To register and for more details, go to swim22.diabetes.org.uk. There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship.
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. Without the support to manage it well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications.