Bolton woman goes to great lengths to raise money for Diabetes UK

19 Feb 2020 02:45
Published by: Daniel Almond

 

A BOLTON woman is swimming the equivalent of the English Channel to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.

 

Jane Taylor, 48, of Little Lever, is taking on the swimming challenge of the year, Swim 22, between 22 February and 22 May because she wants to ‘give a little something back’ to the charity.

Jane has type 2 diabetes, which she manages through her diet and exercise, including plenty of visits to her local swimming pool. Her late father Alf Holden, who passed away in 2018, also had type 2 diabetes in his later years.

Jane is eager to raise funds for Diabetes UK and sees Swim22 as the perfect opportunity. 

The mum-of-one said: “The Swim22 challenge is something I have wanted to do for some time but I was unable to while I was caring for my parents. My mum and dad were both seriously ill before they passed away and swimming was a release for me. It was something I did to take my mind off everything, and of course it also helps with managing my diabetes.

“I’m really looking forward to the Swim22 challenge and it means I can give a little something back to Diabetes UK as they do such great work in supporting people with diabetes.”

Jane works for a Manchester-based IT firm and has teamed up with one of her colleagues, Martin Knott, to take on Swim22. The pair plan to complete the challenge – which involves swimming 22 miles, the equivalent of the English Channel, during repeated visits to the pool across a 12-week period – together, meaning they will clock up 44 miles in total.

Jane said: “Everyone in work has been so supportive. They are doing everything to make sure Martin and I can complete the challenge. The camaraderie is amazing.”

There are an estimated 4.78 million people living with diabetes in the UK. Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, including sight loss, amputation, kidney failure and stroke. With the right treatment and support people living with diabetes can lead a long and healthy life.

Clare Howarth, Head of the North of England at Diabetes UK, said:

“We are delighted that Jane and Martin are making a splash for Diabetes UK. The lengths they are going to will bring us closer to our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm. Swim22 is perfect if you want to challenge yourself to get fitter at your own pace and in your own time. You can swim in your local pool alone or, better still, get your family, friends and colleagues involved. Our dedicated team will be on hand to support you from start to finish.”

To sponsor Jane and Martin, please visit https://swim22.diabetes.org.uk/pages/jane-martin.

To sign up for Swim22, go to www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22. There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship. The money raised will help fund life-saving research, and make sure everyone living with diabetes gets the care and support they need.

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