Brian Richards, former Nursling and Rownhams Parish councillor is taking on a 44-mile swim challenge for charity over three months from July to October.

So far, Brian has completed 6.3 miles and has raised £164.

After being diagnosed with diabetes type 2 in 2008, Brian has worked tirelessly to support the cause after receiving outstanding care from the NHS professionals and Diabetes UK Southampton.

This is the 4th challenge Brian has taken on to support the charity and has raised around £2,500 in total.

Brian said: “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in December 2008. Since then, I have kept it under control using a combination of diet and medication and a lot of help from Janet (my wife), my local diabetes nurse, doctor and Diabetes UK Southampton and District Group. This has been a real team effort and I am very grateful to all those people who have helped me stay healthy.

“I want to pay back some of this help by raising funds for Diabetes UK.”

“I retired from the NHS in June 2015 and since then I have got more involved with Diabetes UK and also the local group and annually talking to the Southampton MSc in diabetes, hopefully helping these medical students understand more about diabetes from a patient’s perspective.”

Readers can keep updated with progress and make donations by visiting https://swim22.diabetes.org.uk/fundraising/brian-richards2021