Ok, well not the actual English Channel, but the equivalent distance in a 25-meter swimming pool. The Channel is 22 miles or 32km, so for those of you who can do the maths you’ll have figured out that I'll be swimming 1,280 lengths! This is a massive challenge especially for a 12-year-old who hasn’t done much swimming before. All the money I raise will be going to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), a charity that is near and dear to my heart. JDRF is committed to eradicating Type 1 Diabetes.   

What Inspired Me  My older sister Holly and my Dad both have Type 1 Diabetes and having grown up alongside them I have learned how much of a daily burden it is. My sister completed a similar challenge to raise money when she was 11 years old. She cycled across England, from Weston-Super-Mare to Margate (250km), and that was what gave me the idea to take on this challenge. 

Here Are the Facts  Approximately  400,000  people in the UK have Type 1 Diabetes. It used to be referred to as ‘juvenile diabetes’ but was changed because around half of newly diagnosed cases are among people over the age of 18.  On average people with Type 1 Diabetes will have to do 65,000 injections, including inserting cannulas, in their lifetime. They have to constantly manage their blood sugar with insulin injections and sugar intake, being vigilant 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without ever having a day off. 

My Goal My sister raised more than £10,000 when she completed her cycle across England, and I would love to raise that much too (£8,000 plus gift aid). I know that is an ambitious goal, but I’m hoping that with your help I’ll get somewhere close. JDRF could do so much with that money: their research could change hundreds of thousands of lives, and by sponsoring me, you’re not just helping me, but those hundreds of thousands of diabetics;

£20 provides an information pack to an adult or child newly diagnosed with type 1.
£50 would allow 50 parents to return to work, safe in the knowledge that their child’s type 1 will be managed carefully at school, thanks to our e-learning module.
£100 could pay for 1 person to be screened for type 1 diabetes.
£500 pays for a month’s supply of islets for researchers working on a new way to ‘encapsulate’ the cells ready for transplant.
£1000 pays for a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and sensors for a participant in the artificial pancreas trials

What's The Plan?  I will start on the 30th March and continue over three consecutive days, swimming around 6 hours and 11km each day. My school (Clifton High School) have very kindly offered the use of the pool over this period, and Jez Birds, head coach, has been supporting us. Family and friends are very welcome to come and watch, cheer or maybe even join me for a few lengths on any of the three days. My support team (i.e. my Mum, Dad, Max and Holly!) will be posting constant updates throughout the period so you can see how I’m doing. 

How I Have Prepared  I have been training for this challenge for 6 months, to improve my technique and endurance. I am no stranger to the local swimming pools! Over the Christmas holidays, I did two long practice swims over two days, and I have used the results and data from these swims to set my plan. I have also built stamina and strength out of the pool at Feelfit, our local gym (www.myfeelfit.com). With Ellie's help I have been learning about the correct diet needed to help me get the energy required. They have really helped me build up my strength and confidence. 

Thanks for reading and please support me! xxx