Immerse yourself in a fitness boosting, channel crossing, money raising challenge.
22 April to 22 July 2021
It began with a trip to France
With Swim22, you’ll be swimming the equivalent distance of the English Channel, 22 miles, over 12 weeks, at your own pace and in your local pool. It is a life-changing challenge, inspired by 163 Diabetes UK supporters who have swum the actual English Channel in support of people living with diabetes.
Over the last 8 years, our swimmers have raised an incredible £4 million to help fund our life-saving research, and make sure everyone living with diabetes gets the care and support they need.
Key Event Information
Dates - The event runs over three months, from 22 April to 22 July 2021, and you can start to track your lengths from 22 April.
Challenges – There are three distances to choose from;
- 11 miles: ‘The Half’ – Half the distance to France, still 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.
Signing Up – You can sign up now, and we recommend signing up as soon as possible so you can prepare, share your page with friends, family, and colleagues and start fundraising in advance.
Cost – The event is free to enter, but we encourage you to raise as much sponsorship as possible, which will help us to save and change the lives of people living with diabetes in the UK.
Location – You can complete your miles wherever you like, from your local pool, or a nice outdoors lido.
Fundraising target - There's no minimum sponsorship but we suggest a target of £220. The more you raise, the more lives you’ll be changing.
Tracking your lengths – You can do this right here on the Swim22 platform along with accessing all of the information and tools needed to make your Swim22 a success.
Under 18s - If you're under 18, please ask a parent or guardian to register on your behalf and create a page for you under their profile.


Frequently asked questions
We have tried to answer all of your commonly asked questions below. However, if you can’t find the information you’re looking for please email swim22@diabetes.org.uk or call 0345 123 2399 and one of our team will be more than happy to help.
About Swim22
Fundraising
Technical support and tracking your distance
Teams

Swim the distance of the English Channel towards a healthier you and transform the lives of those living with diabetes.
22 April to 22 July 2021