IT’S never too late to change your lifestyle – that is the message from a Rugby woman with diabetes who wants to spread awareness of the condition by swimming the length of the English Channel.
Donna Brown, 30, is taking part in Swim22 – an endurance challenge set by Diabetes UK in which participants swim 22 miles in three months in their local pool.
The challengers can complete their mission either by themselves or with the help of teammates.
Donna is taking part as she believes eating unhealthily for most of her life lead to her recent diagnosis with diabetes.
She said: “I never thought I would be someone who develops diabetes. No one thinks it’s going to be them.
“Being told I have diabetes made me realise I had to change my lifestyle. The Swim22 challenge has given me a goal to exercise for and so far diet and exercise are helping me control it.
“However I know it’s a progressive condition, so I know that alone won’t help forever, but I am trying my best.
“I hope that by doing this I will help at least one person change before it happens to them. It’s never too late to help yourself.”
Siobhan Clifford, Diabetes UK West Midlands Fundraiser, said: “We are delighted that Donna will be diving into the pool and making a splash for Diabetes UK, and look forward to following her progress throughout the challenge.
“We hope Donna’s commitment will inspire others to take the plunge for Diabetes UK.”
The challenge will take place between February 22 and May 22.
Visit www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22 to find out more or to sign up for the challenge.
