A relay swim across the English Channel is the challenging fundraiser for a UHB consultant who specialises in the treatment of diabetes and one of his patients.

Consultant Parth Narendran and Sam Payne, a patient with type 1 diabetes, which affects the body’s ability to produce insulin, will be part of a relay team taking part in the fundraiser for the charity Diabetes UK.

The swim from Dover to Calais, a distance of about 21 miles, will be without the aid of wetsuits and is due to take place in September.

Intensive training is already underway in swimming pools and at open water sites to ensure both Parth and Sam, who is a lawyer, are prepared for the gruelling fundraiser.

Parth, who works in the Diabetes department, explained: “Both Sam and myself have seen how diabetes can affect the lives of both young and old.

“We have chosen this charity because it is the leading UK charity that cares for, connects with, and campaigns on behalf of all patients affected by (and at risk of) diabetes. They also undertake important research into the causes of and potential cures for diabetes.

“We have both pledged to raise £7,500 and still have some way to go so we really hope people will want to support our efforts. It is going to be tough but we believe this will help make a real difference to the lives of people affected by diabetes.”

Parth is part of a team, based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, currently leading the largest trial of exercise in type 1 diabetes in the UK to understand more clearly how it can benefit patients.

More details of this trial can be seen on the Exercise Therapy in Type One Diabetes page.

If you'd like to sponsor Sam and Parth please visit their JustGiving page.