Going the distance for Diabetes UK

Shaw Gibbs are pleased to support their Director of Business Development, Matt Wistow, in taking on the challenge of the Diabetes UK Channel Swim 2012. The event will see Matt join 6 teams of 6 swimmers to participate in a relay-race across the English Channel from Dover to Cap Gris Nez, a distance of 22 miles that will take approximately 15 hours.

Matt explains why he has decided to take on this endurance challenge: “My eldest daughter Harriet has had Type 1 Diabetes since the age of 5, leaving her dependent on multiple daily insulin injections and blood testing, not to mention coping with the emotional and practical issues, and the potentially significant longer term complications. Diabetes UK have been extremely supportive in helping us to understand and manage Harriet’s condition, which affects about 1 in 300 kids in the UK - that is about 1 child on average per Primary School. 

I would like to personally raise £5,000 to help to find a cure and to support the kids and their families who are affected by this condition. I have been training for 12 months, including weekend sessions in Dover Harbour, in preparation for the race – I am looking forward to the challenge and whilst it would be nice to win, just getting to France will be a great achievement.”

The challenge will take place at some point between 17^th and 24^th August 2012 depending on weather conditions.

If you would like to contribute towards Matt’s fundraising, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MattWistow.

To find out more about Diabetes UK and how they support people and their families affected by the condition, please visit http://www.diabetes.org.uk/  

Matt (Thorpedo!) Wistow at a training session in Dover Harbour

The event organisers will be using Channel Swimming and Pilot Federation (CS&PF) boats and pilots to monitor the race and ensure swimmer safety. The CS&PF is a Governing body for English Channel swimming that is officially recognised by both the British and French authorities.