Cornwall Leisure Centres Partner with Diabetes UK for Health Challenges

Cornwall’s “Better” leisure centres, including locations in Truro, Newquay, St Austell, Helston, St Ives, Bodmin, Liskeard, Saltash, and Bude, have announced a collaboration with Diabetes UK, the leading health charity, to support two of the charity’s fundraising challenges—Swim22 and the One Million Step Challenge.

These challenges aim to promote exercise for improving mental and physical health while raising funds for diabetes research.

Operated by the charitable social enterprise GLL under the Better brand, these leisure centres will engage their 800,000 UK members in these challenges, offering discounted memberships, free training events, and professional advice to ensure participants are well-prepared. Swim22 challenges individuals to swim the equivalent of the English Channel over 12 weeks, and the One Million Step Challenge requires participants to average 10,800 steps per day across three months.

Diabetes UK statistics reveal that over 4.3 million people in the UK are diagnosed with diabetes, with another 2.4 million at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, an estimated 850,000 people have diabetes but have not been diagnosed, pushing the total over five million. The charity warns of the severe complications associated with diabetes, such as amputations, strokes, and heart attacks, without proper management and support.

Joseph Rham, the Customer Experience Director at GLL, emphasised the significance of the partnership, acknowledging the growing prevalence of diabetes worldwide. He highlighted the potential of weight loss to reduce blood sugar levels and manage type 2 diabetes effectively. “We are committed to supporting Diabetes UK’s research and encouraging community members to engage in physical activities through our facilities to enhance their health and well-being,” Joseph said.

James Beeby, the Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Diabetes UK, expressed excitement over the partnership, seeing it as an opportunity to engage more people in physical activities and achieve personal health goals. “Our virtual events offer a fantastic way for individuals to become more active and support a vital cause,” James commented.

Funds raised from these challenges will contribute to Diabetes UK’s mission to fund life-saving research and support individuals living with diabetes.

For more information about diabetes and the charity’s work, visit www.diabetes.org.uk  or https://swim22.diabetes.org.uk/rewards