A WARMINSTER nurse is swimming the equivalent of the English Channel to raise funds for Diabetes UK.

Faye Yard, 40, who will be swimming the 22-mile width of the English Channel in a pool at Warminster Sports Centre between February and May, is raising money for the charity which is close to her heart.

She said: “I’m doing Swim22 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 close to home.”

Diabetes is a condition that directly affects roughly 4.5 million people in the UK. It occurs when the body cannot use glucose properly and so there is too much of it in the blood. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications if not managed correctly, and there is currently no known cure.

Diabetes UK South West Regional Head, Annika Palmer, 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 free of charge to Swim22, go to www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22.

CHLOE HUGHES