A MUM-of-two and type 1 diabetic is taking on a 22-mile charity swim in the run up to giving birth to her third child.

Chanice Hale, from Orford, decided during a sleepless night of pregnancy that she would tackle the Diabetes UK Swim 22 challenge, and she is more determined than ever to complete before her due date in July.

Speaking on her own health journey with diabetes, Chanice said: “I was diagnosed a type 1 diabetic in 1999 at the age of four. It’s been almost 25 years since my diagnosis this year.

“The swimming challenge started on the March 22 and runs until June 22. The aim per week is 99 lengths, over three sessions. 

“I literally woke up one morning due to being unable to sleep - pregnancy related - and decided I was going to give it a go.”

Chanice, who has two other young children, is now two miles into her mammoth challenge and is 24 weeks pregnant.

Touching on the progress she has made in her fitness already, the 28-year-old said: “Prior to this I hadn’t had any training leading up to it, as I’d only registered approximately a week before it kicked off.

“I’d managed two practice swims and struggled with each length. I’ve now reached a personal best of 40 lengths in 60 minutes.”

Chanice is carrying out the challenge at Orford Jubilee due to the flexibility in timetables meaning she can work her swims around parenting duties too.

“Although it’s been difficult with my other two children being off school for half term, the timetable at Orford works really well for me of an evening to be able to still complete my lengths.”

Her due date is set for July 24 but due to complications in her previous pregnancies, she will be booked for an induction at the hospital between July 4 and 10 – closing the gap even further on the time left to complete the 22-mile swim.

To support Chanice along her journey or donate to the charity, visit her funding page here.