Swim 22 Miles and Help Fight Diabetes – Here’s How You Can Take Part

Published On: 28 February 2025Last Updated: 28 February 2025By CornishStuff

Cornwall’s Better leisure centres are backing Diabetes UK’s Swim22 challenge

Better leisure centres across Cornwall are supporting a major fundraising challenge by Diabetes UK, encouraging swimmers to clock up 22 miles – the length of the English Channel – while raising money for vital diabetes research.

A Challenge for All Levels

Swim22 runs from 22nd March to 22nd June 2025, giving participants 12 weeks to complete the challenge at their own pace, either in a swimming pool or open water. Alongside the full 22-mile distance, there are two other options:

The Half – swim 11 miles, covering half the distance to France.
The Double – a demanding 44-mile swim, representing a full round trip.

Better leisure centres, operated by charitable social enterprise GLL, are promoting the event to their 800,000 members. Participants will be offered a free four-month Better Flex membership, free training events, and expert swimming and fundraising tips.

Where You Can Take Part in Cornwall

Several Better leisure centres across Cornwall are involved, including:

Bude
Saltash
Liskeard
Bodmin
Newquay
St Austell
Truro
Helston
St Ives

The Diabetes Crisis in the UK

Recent data from Diabetes UK highlights the growing number of people affected by the condition:

4.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, up from 4.4 million last year.
1.3 million are estimated to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
6.3 million have prediabetes, a condition that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

That means over 12 million people in the UK – one in five adults – are affected by diabetes or prediabetes. Without proper care and support, complications can include amputations, strokes, and heart attacks.

Why Swim22 Matters

James Curry, GLL’s Head of Service in Cornwall, said:

“Diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic conditions in the world. We also know that weight loss can, in many cases, help to lower blood sugar levels and even put type 2 diabetes into remission.

“Not only do we support the important research work that Diabetes UK undertakes, but we also want to encourage those living in our local communities to use our facilities to help improve their health and wellbeing. Taking part in the Swim22 challenge is a fantastic way to stay motivated, raise funds for a worthy cause and support health and weight loss goals.”

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK’s local spokesperson, added:

“By taking the plunge with Swim22, you’ll not only be swimming towards a healthier you. Every pound you raise and every length you swim will help us to fund vital diabetes research to help family and friends living with diabetes day in, and day out.

“Swimming is a great way to get active, and 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.”