LEISURE operator GLL is teaming up with health charity Diabetes UK to help people in Reading get active for a good cause.
For the third-year running, GLL will support two of the charity’s flagship fundraising challenges, Swim22 and the One Million Step Challenge, helping to raise awareness of diabetes while inspiring people to improve their health and wellbeing.
Both challenges, which take place every year, are designed to get people moving, boost mental and physical health, and raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.
All funds raised from the challenges will go towards Diabetes UK’s work, funding life-saving research and helping people living with diabetes to get the care and support they need.
Throughout the year, they’ll work to promote Diabetes UK’s challenges to its 800,000 members nationwide through social media and within its centres, encouraging as many people as possible to get involved.
There will also be discounted leisure centre memberships for those taking part in the challenges and free online and in-person training events.
GLL is also offering tips and advice to help people train safely and effectively.
Craig Woodward, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Reading, said: “We’re proud to support Diabetes UK again and help even more people discover the benefits of getting active.
“With millions of people in the UK at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can play an important role in reducing that risk.
“Challenges like Swim22 and the One Million Step Challenge make it fun and motivating to move more while raising funds for an incredibly important cause.”
James Beeby, Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Diabetes UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with GLL again, to inspire more people to take on a new fundraising challenge.
“Being physically active plays an important role in overall health and wellbeing and events like Swim22 and the One Million Step Challenge make it fun, achievable, and rewarding for everyone involved.
“Across the UK, Better leisure centres support their members to improve their physical and mental health, and it is this shared aim that makes this collaboration so fitting.”
More information about Diabetes UK’s work, as well as the fundraising challenges, is available via: diabetes.org.uk
More information about GLL is available via: gll.org
Figures from Diabetes UK show that 4.6million people are now living with a diagnosis of diabetes in the UK – an all-time high.
Without the right care and support, people with diabetes can be at risk of developing serious complications.
Every week in the UK, diabetes leads to 184 amputations, more than 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks and 2,300 cases of heart failure.
