Doncaster mum swims equivalent of English Channel for Diabetes UK

A hospital receptionist from Doncaster is swimming 22 miles '“ the equivalent of swimming the English Channel '“ to raise funds for Diabetes UK.
Joanne Williams outside Amrthorpe Leisure Centre where she will be completing her lengths.Joanne Williams outside Amrthorpe Leisure Centre where she will be completing her lengths.
Joanne Williams outside Amrthorpe Leisure Centre where she will be completing her lengths.

The Swim22 challenge gives swimmers three months to swim 22 miles in their local pool, either by themselves or by splitting the distance with teammates.

Joanne, 45, is taking part in Swim 22 as both her husband Adrian, 49 and father Roy, 71 have Type 2 diabetes.

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Mum of one Joanne said: “With both my husband and father having diabetes, I do anything I can to help them. When my husband was first diagnosed there was a lot of information that wasn’t available to him to help him manage his condition. Diabetes UK do a lot of work to ensure the right information and support is out there for people living with diabetes, so by raising money for the charity I hope I can help people with diabetes in the UK.”

The challenge will take place between February 22 and May 22 and Joanne will be completing her lengths at Armthorpe Leisure Centre.

Joanne, a keen swimmer continued: “I love swimming, so this seemed like the perfect fundraising opportunity for me. At the moment I swim around 80 lengths a week so a few more can’t hurt.”

Lara Dobson, Diabetes UK fundraising manager, said: “We are delighted that Joanne will be diving into the pool and making a splash for Diabetes UK, and look forward to following her progress throughout the challenge.

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“We hope Joanne’s commitment will inspire others in Doncaster to take the plunge for Diabetes UK. The three-month timeframe means that whatever your fitness level there’s plenty of time to get in the pool, and you can even split the distance with teammates if that feels more manageable.

“Swim22 is perfect for anyone who wants to challenge themselves to get fitter and to keep physically active, in turn helping them to maintain a healthy weight, which also helps prevent Type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes can also help manage their condition through getting plenty of exercise and eating healthily.”

If Joanne has inspired you to take on this challenge, sign up for Swim 22 now at Click here

There is no closing date, so you can sign up anytime so long as you complete the challenge by May 22.

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