Swimming 5k

I’m raising money for Roots4Life, a charity that is taking action in tackling some of the country’s biggest health problems; obesity, malnutrition and loneliness and social isolation. 

To save some time, let me just hit you with some hard facts:

• 400,000 children in London (alone!) have the same thing for dinner - NOTHING.
• Two thirds of the UK’s population are overweight or obese.
• Type 2 diabetes in the under 40s has risen by 20% in the last 5 years.
• Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke and dementia and is said to be as harmful as 15 cigarettes a day.
• Obesity and diet related illnesses have double the prevalence in the most deprived areas.
• Obesity related diseases cost the NHS £6.5 billion per year.

What are Roots4Life doing about it?

The effects of diet and exercise on individual health are intimately related. The best dietary habits are of limited value in the absence of physical activity and vice versa.

Roots4Life is tackling these issues by taking action. Using intervention and prevention methods such as cooking and gardening lessons and exercise sessions, all while providing a space for people to learn and interact with other members of their community. They approach the problem holistically, running out of a purpose-built community centre, home to a teaching kitchen, allotments, football field, wildlife pond and wildflower meadow. They also run a Community Fridge (food bank), which has seen unprecedented popularity since opening, and a free monthly community meal. 

Roots4Life are just part of the puzzle. But an essential piece. 

Check out the Roots4Life instagram page to get a real flavour of what they do, or head to their Crowdfunder for more info.

If any of this has surprised you, or you think that swimming 200 lengths is the last thing that you would want to do, please donate! I couldn't swim 1k without stopping before I started training and it's going to be a push, also because I can't tell you how boring swimming for that length of time is. Any donation, is greatly appreciated and will help keep me motivated while I stare at the pool floor!