Frome nurse goes to great lengths for diabetes

A NURSE at Frome Community Hospital is swimming the equivalent of the English Channel to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.

Faye Yard is taking on the swimming challenge of the year, Swim 22, between 22nd February and 22nd May because as a nurse in the renal unit, she sees the complications of diabetes on a daily basis. She also has family members with the condition.

Faye, who will be swimming the 22-mile width of the English Channel in her local pool in Warminster said, “I’m doing Swim 22 as diabetes is the biggest cause of kidney failure and I see the results of this working as a dialysis nurse. I want to feel as if I am making an effort to help by raising funds for vital research to improve people’s lives. My mother-in-law and brother-in-law both have diabetes, so it’s also a cause close to my heart.”

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. There are an estimated 4.5 million people living with diabetes in the UK. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, including lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke. There is currently no known cure for any type of diabetes.

Annika Palmer, Diabetes UK south-west regional head said, “We are delighted that Faye is making a splash for Diabetes UK. The lengths she 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, even better, get your family, friends and colleagues involved. You can even split the 22 miles between you. Our dedicated team will be on hand to support you from start to finish.”

To sponsor Faye Yard, please visit www.justgiving .com/fundraising/faye-yard. To sign up for Swim22, go to www.diabetes.org.uk /swim22. There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship.