22 miles. 12 weeks. One life-changing challenge.

Whether you want to start regular exercise, lose weight or simply reignite your love of swimming, Swim22 is a fantastic way of getting fit whilst raising vital funds for Diabetes UK.

Swim22 new start date

If coronavirus and pool closures mean you can’t swim right now, or you don’t feel comfortable swimming, don’t worry. We have decided to postpone the start of this year’s Swim22 challenge from 22 April to 22 July. This means that the challenge will now run from 22 July to 22 October.

We have made the decision to make sure everyone has the time to prepare for, take on, and complete the challenge together – safely and confidently.

Although some pools in England may start to re-open on 12 April, the easing of coronavirus restrictions across the UK may change or differ. That’s why we hope the new start date of 22 July will allow people throughout the country to dive into Swim22 at the same time, together.

Sign up today and we’ll keep you regularly updated. And until you feel ready to return to the pool (and it is safe for you to do so), join our Facebook group to take part in our weekly Swim22 At Home challenges – designed to keep you fit and motivated on land while we wait to dive back into the pool.

With three distances to choose from, you can take the challenge at your own pace, in your own local pool over three months - individually or as a team:

11 miles: ‘The Half’ – half the distance to France, an impressive feat.
22 miles: ‘The Full’ - the distance of the English Channel, our most popular choice.
44 miles: ‘The Double’ – to France and back, for the more adventurous.

Whichever distance you choose, there’s no better feeling than diving into a challenge you’ll love knowing each length you complete will lead to a healthier you and a better future for people living with diabetes.
And we’ll be there to support you every stroke, length, and mile of the way.

If you have any questions email us at Swim22@diabetes.org.uk

Why take on Swim22?

Conquer a channel crossing challenge

Close your eyes and imagine completing your final length. That sense of achievement knowing you’ve swum the distance of the English Channel. Feels good, right?

Improve your physical and mental health

As well as swimming being a low impact way of losing weight and boosting your wellbeing, regular lengths can also help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Raise vital funds to fight diabetes

In 2020 our swimmers raised an incredible £700,000 to help fund our life-saving research. Join us in the pool this year to help change even more lives.

Join thousands of other swimmers up and down the UK

You may be taking on an epic channel crossing swimming challenge, however you won’t be alone.
So prepare yourself for some serious camaraderie in our Facebook Group.

How your fundraising will make a difference

There are currently 4.8 million people living with diabetes in the UK, the complications of which lead to over 500 premature deaths every week.

By taking on Swim22, you’re not only swimming towards a healthier you. The money you raise will help fund our vital work including the development of life-changing treatments and raising awareness of type 2 diabetes and how to manage it by making healthier choices day-to-day.

Paul explains why our Helpline helped him when he was first diagnosed with type 2:
"Having been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I was finding the whole blood glucose level thing very confusing. I phoned the helpline and spoke to a fantastic lady who explained very simply what I was doing right and what was wrong and, at last, I understand more fully how diet is important; as is when to eat and when not to exercise. The helpline team are brilliant and the people are so knowledgeable and helpful."

Your safety and wellbeing is important to us

All Diabetes UK events are held in line with the most up-to-date national and local coronavirus guidance and restrictions.

Please make sure you’re aware of and following the latest guidance and restrictions when taking part in any of our events. Find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus