A woman from Glossop has dived into an ambitious swimming challenge to raise funds for Diabetes UK.

After her sister was diagnosed with diabetes as a child in 1965, Tricia Ellen Bratton watched her sibling struggle with various treatment options, all of which failed to control her condition.

Her teenage years were spent battling diabetes which left her immune system compromised for the rest of her life.

So, to do her part to stand up to this condition, Tricia agreed to complete 22 miles of swimming at Glossop Baths. Working hard to put in the miles, Tricia has raised over £500 so far and is looking to carry on her donation page until November.

The 64-year-old has found a love for swimming following this challenge and plans to continue with her swimming beyond the event.

After moving to the UK from America in 2009, Tricia has shared her appreciation for the NHS and the healthcare available to residents.

“I’m so grateful for the NHS and the wonderful and comprehensive healthcare given to everyone.

“My sister had difficulty obtaining syringes and needles as they are so expensive in the US and she could often not afford the co-pays for her insulin,” she says.

The price of insulin has ‘increased exponentially’ in the past 20 years, meaning many are faced with the struggles of bills to afford their healthcare.

Tricia moved to Glossop in 2012 after marrying her late husband Stan Kukalowicz and worked for Manchester City Council for a therapeutic fostering programme. She has grown increasingly fond of the area and has been a British Citizen since 2019.

She believes that many are unaware of the severity of diabetes and the complications that it can cause.

Diabetes UK have a plethora of resources to educate people on the reality of the disease. Access their website here to read more.

You can donate to Tricia’s donation page here.

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