A mum and her daughters are swimming 22 miles – the equivalent of swimming the English Channel – to raise funds for Diabetes UK.

Tine Boving Foster, 53, and daughters Rebecca and Christina, are taking part in Swim 22 to raise awareness of diabetes and to help Rebecca get back into exercise following her diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes in December.

Tine, of Matterdale, near Ullswater, said: "Rebecca was diagnosed in mid-December while we were on holiday in Namibia. After being unwell on the flight, things quickly deteriorated and she was quickly rushed to hospital.

"The diagnosis was a shock to all of us but we were lucky as Rebecca received excellent medical care while we were there."

"Rebecca has always been into sport, especially running but before she was diagnosed she had an injury which prevented her from being active.

"We thought this challenge would be a great opportunity to support Rebecca to get back into sport and one that we can all take part in.

"Rebecca can take part in the challenge and feel comfortable managing her diabetes because she can stop when she has had enough, so it’s a really good way to build up stamina and show that diabetes doesn’t have to stop you doing anything."

Type 1 diabetes develops when the insulin-producing cells in the body have been destroyed and the body is unable to produce any insulin. It is treated with daily insulin doses and is the most common form of diabetes diagnosed in children. Symptoms include tiredness, weight loos, extreme thirst and going to the toilet more frequently.

The Swim22 challenge gives swimmers three months to swim 22 miles in their local pool, either by themselves or by splitting the distance with teammates.

The challenge started on 22 February and continues until 22 May.

Rebecca, 11, said: "When I first got diagnosed I thought it was the end of me being able to do sports, but I was wrong. At first I started doing 15 minute walks which led on to me getting back to school PE.

"It's not always easy managing my blood sugar level with the exercise, but I have now got a scanner to check it instead of having to take blood every time, and it's given me confidence to really try hard.

"When Swim22 came along my family urged me to sign up which I did.

"At first I just dipped a toe in tentatively but now I throw myself in whole heartedly. So far I've swum 90 lengths, and have enjoyed every single one."

Christina, 15, said: "It is great to see Rebecca swimming again, and to see the diabetes has not stopped her from doing anything, especially after seeing how difficult she found things initially. I'm already looking forward to next time we go swimming."

Lara Dobson, fundraising manager for Diabetes UK, said: “We are delighted that Tine, Rebecca and Christina will be diving into the pool and making a splash for Diabetes UK, and look forward to following their progress throughout the challenge.

"We hope their commitment will inspire others in Cumbria to take the plunge for Diabetes UK.

"The three-month time frame means that whatever your fitness level there’s plenty of time to get in the pool, and you can even split the distance with teammates if that feels more manageable.

"Swim22 is perfect for anyone who wants to challenge themselves to get fitter and to keep physically active, in turn helping them to maintain a healthy weight, which also helps prevent Type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes can also help manage their condition through getting plenty of exercise and eating healthily."

To sponsor Rebecca, Tine and Christina visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tine-Boving-Foster1 and to find out more about Swim22 visit www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22