Rochdale man to swim equivalent of English Channel for Diabetes UK

A man from Rochdale is swimming the equivalent of the English Channel to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.

Jim Stridgen, 61, is taking on the swimming challenge of the year, Swim 22, as part of a lifestyle change which is helping him manage his type 2 diabetes.

Health and safety trainer Jim was diagnosed about 10 years ago and, after experiencing a diabetes-related liver condition for some years, he is now feeling ‘healthier than ever’.

Long weekly walks and plenty of swimming are key to Jim’s wellbeing, which is why Swim22 appealed to him.

Jim, whose wife Sue is also attempting the challenge, said: “When I heard about Swim22, I thought that it was a chance to do something really positive. It was the regular walking which really kicked off my health craze, I started to lose weight and feel so much better.

“I always used to swim in galas when I was young so trying Swim22 just seemed the right thing to do. My niece Sharon has done it a couple of times and my wife is doing it this year as well. We’ve been swimming virtually every day.”

Jim, whose job sees him work across the Wigan, Middleton and Bury areas, has been averaging 120-130 lengths during his training and described Swim22 as ‘the lifestyle change I needed’. The challenge involves swimming 22 miles, the equivalent of the English Channel, during repeated visits to the pool across a 12-week period, finishing by May 22.

There are an estimated 4.8 million people living with diabetes in the UK.

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, including sight loss, amputation, kidney failure and stroke. With the right treatment and support people living with diabetes can lead a long and healthy life.

Clare Howarth, Head of the North of England at Diabetes UK, said: “We are delighted that Jim is making a splash for Diabetes UK. The lengths that he is going to will bring us closer to our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

“Swim22 is perfect if you want to challenge yourself to get fitter at your own pace and in your own time. You can swim in your local pool alone or, better still, get your family, friends and colleagues involved. Our dedicated team will be on hand to support you from start to finish.”

To sponsor Jim please visit: 

• swim22.diabetes.org.uk/pages/james-3

If you want to sign up for Swim22, there is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship. The money raised will help fund life-saving research, and make sure everyone living with diabetes gets the care and support they need:

• www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22