A MUM from Cardigan is swimming 22 miles, the equivalent of the English Channel, to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK Cymru.

Penny Phillips, 35, is taking on the swimming challenge of the year, Swim22, to challenge herself and raise awareness of the condition in support of a close friend who has Type 1 diabetes.

While challengers can complete the 22 miles any time between 22 February and 22 May, Penny aims to complete the whole distance within just one week.

Penny, who runs a landscaping business with her husband and is mum to Daisy-Belle, 5, and River, 2, started swimming last year as a way to get fit after she gave up smoking.

Penny said: “After giving up smoking I knew I needed to do something to increase my fitness level. I started swimming and really enjoyed it, so decided to set myself a challenge. Swim22 is the perfect challenge for me as a very close friend has Type 1 diabetes and I know how difficult it can be to manage the condition day-to-day.

“I’m really enjoying the training and I’m building up the distance gradually each week. I am a working mum, so it can be hard to find the time, but knowing that I am supporting people with diabetes motivates me. It will be a big challenge to complete the 22 miles in a week but I know I can do it!”

To sign up for Swim22, go to www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22. There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship.

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