Channel crossing

A LEAMINGTON swimmer who took to the water after a knee operation is taking part in a cross-Channel relay to raise money for a good cause.

Suzanne Brown will be part of a six-strong relay team who will be swimming across the English Channel to raise money for Diabetes UK next month.

The annual event, organised by the charity, will include seven teams from whom members will each have to swim in sequence for an hour at a time.

The 22-mile crossing is expected to take about 15 hours and participants are only allowed to wear swimming costumes, caps and goggles but no wetsuits.

Suzanne, whose mother has Type 2 diabetes, met her teammates from other parts of the country during a training weekend in Dover recently and said they struck up an instant rapport.

She added: “I’m always looking for a new challenge and since my knee operation three years ago I have really enjoyed swimming and swim regularly with Kenilworth Masters Swimming Club and City of Coventry Swimming Club.

“I saw that Diabetes UK was offering the opportunity to join a relay team and swim the Channel and thought it was a great way to combine my hobby with raising funds for such a good cause.

“My mother was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes five years ago on a routine visit to the opticians and I know what valuable work the charity does.”

Each swimmer is aiming to raise a minimum of £1,250 and donations can be made online.

Diabetes UK is now looking for keen swimmers to take part in the Channel Swim Relay 2013.

Anyone who swims regularly and is capable of swimming 1,500 metres, or 60 lengths, of a 25-metre pool can apply.

To make a donation visit http://www.justgiving.com/suzanne-brown2 or for more information about applying send an email to [email protected]

Channel crossing - Ollie