Like many, my goal for 2018 is to lose weight. In my case that translates into 3 stone I need to get shot of. As some of you know, my body is not the ripped athletic specimen of awesome that it once/never was. Thanks to a knackered Achilles and an iffy back, I need to do something that is low impact but high in intensity. Normally shouting at my kids whilst sitting on the sofa ticked this box but alas, that is not going to get it done. 

I have therefore signed up to take part in Diabetes UK’s ‘Swim22’. The premise is simple - Swim the equivalent of the English Channel (22 miles) in your local pool between 22nd February – 22nd May (12 weeks). The pool I will be using is Cheam Baths in…erm…Cheam which is 30 metres long. To rack up the 22 miles, I’ll need to swim a fat bloke sinking 1180 lengths, which works out at just under 99 lengths a week. You can keep track of how I’m doing by checking out my online length tracker thingy: 

https://swim22.diabetes.org.uk/users/davidfarley

By sponsoring me you will supporting Diabetes UK in their efforts to make sure people can manage their diabetes well. Every day, around 700 people are diagnosed with diabetes. When diabetes is not well managed it is associated with serious complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputations. Diabetes UK provides information, care and support for everyone affected by diabetes. Their campaigns improve lives and their research develops new treatments, technologies and will, one day, find a cure. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. 

So that is the plan. Not only do you get to support a very good cause, you also get the added benefit of seeing me suffer and moan about how much I ache and how other swimmers have the audacity to swim in the same lane as me. On their back. Bastards. Personally, if I don’t come out of these 12 weeks even slightly buff or with the shoulders of a female Russian shot-putter then frankly there is no helping me. 

Thank you for supporting both me and Diabetes UK.