Have you ever thought of swimming the English Channel? No? I didn’t think so. A bit of a stupid idea in our eyes but hey why not face the challenge and follow me and my team - Into The Blue - on our journey through the cold waters of the English Channel in July 2014, to the beaches of France and do what it takes to raise great awareness and much needed funds for Diabetes UK.

After several years of swimming breaststroke 2-3 times a week in a nice heated indoor pool, considering our weekly exercise done, Lauren and I (then clueless) said how about swimming a marathon rather than running one. Little did we know there is swimming and there is SWIMMING! When we turned up to our first training session in Dover over a year ago (during the winter/spring transition time), we were wearing knee high boots and jeans and had our wetsuits hung over our handbags ready for the 9 degree wavy sea and windy wet beach, we were told that absolutely no wetsuits were allowed and we received some very funny looks! We soon realised that we had a lot to learn, and had many training and swimming lessons ahead of us! A year later, we know what we’re doing (ish!) and Roisin has been persuade to join our team (after several bottles of wine; she now says that it will be the last time she listens to me!) - and the big swim is just around the corner..!  

Along with myself, the team comprises Lauren (28) a physiotherapist friend of mine who I grew up with, Roisin (27) a surgeon in maxillofacial and dentistry who has been a good friend for a couple of years, and three others (Simon, Marc and Caroline) who have become friends following our training weekends in Dover. As a team we are aiming to raise at least £10,000 for Diabetes UK. Please donate via my just giving page http://www.justgiving.com/Lucy-Blagg or write a cheque made out to Diabetes UK but sent to me. Also please feel free to contact one of us directly. My mobile number is 07786732102

Diabetes – what is it?There are approximately 2.9 million diabetic people in the UK according to Diabetes UK, and there are around 850,000 people (that’s almost one in 70 people) who may be diabetic but are currently undiagnosed.

When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should, causing sugars to build up in the blood. If untreated this can lead to complications such as diabetic neuropathy, kidney problems, heart problems, retinopathy and other disorders. At advanced stages, diabetes can cause kidney failure, amputation, blindness and stroke. However, complications can be prevented or significantly delayed by exercising good control of diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Diabetes UK Diabetes UK works to improve the lives of people living with diabetes. The charity has four main strands: 

Life-changing Care Events

Care Events provide a fantastic opportunity for young people with diabetes to meet others with the same illness – it's often the first time a child will meet someone else with the condition – and to learn and share experiences in a fun, relaxed environment. Young people also get the chance to meet with a healthcare team, and to learn how to live with diabetes. Parents get to meet with others in a similar situation, and attend supportive and informative discussion groups. 

Pioneering research The Diabetes UK research programme is the cornerstone of their work. Each year, Diabetes UK invests millions of pounds into project grants, funding to purchase laboratory equipment, and research-training opportunities – all of which are focused on bettering the lives of people with diabetes, and working towards a future free of the condition.

Careline – someone to talk to

The Diabetes UK Careline is a confidential helpline, staffed by trained counsellors who know all about the condition, and provide diabetes sufferers with the support and advice they need.

Roadshows

Diabetes UK runs Healthy Lifestyle Roadshows to risk assess people up and down the country, and refer those at moderate or high risk to their GP for further tests. Diabetes UK also offers valuable advice on healthy living, and how to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

 Thank you for your support and donations in advance

 Best Wishes

 Into The Blue