For the third year running, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) is partnering with Diabetes UK to help thousands of people get active to spread awareness for a great cause in 2026.
Having more than 250 Better leisure centres and sporting facilities, GLL is the UK’s largest charitable social enterprise dedicated to running public leisure and community services since its establishment in 1993.
Helping communities across South London stay active in 2026, Green Leisure Limited is championing a meaningful cause. By supporting two inspiring charity fundraising challenges, the Swim22 and One Million Step Challenge will be raising awareness of diabetes while encouraging people to take positive steps towards better health and wellbeing.
In order to challenge participants, GLL will be discounting leisure centre members for those taking part, holding online and in-person training events, and giving extra tips and advice to help people train safely.
The challenges aim to get people up and about moving which can help boost both physical and mental health all while raising money for a worthy cause.
Diabetes UK revealed that in the UK there are 4.6 million people who are now living with a diagnosis of diabetes- the highest number on record. Without the access to the right care and support, people with diabetes face an increased risk of developing serious complications.
In the UK each week, diabetes is linked to 184 amputations, over 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks and 2,300 cases of heart failure.
GLL’s Partnership Manager in Lewisham, Hannah Gilmour said,
“We’re proud to support Diabetes UK again and help even more people discover the benefits of getting active.
“With millions of people in the UK at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can play an important role in reducing that risk. Challenges like Swim22 and the One Millions Step Challenge make it fun and motivating to move more while raising funds for an incredibly important cause.”
Swim22 invites participants to take on the distance between England and France by swimming at their own pace over a 12-week period starting on March 22nd. Meanwhile, the One Million Step Challenge motivates supporters to walk an average of 10,800 steps a day across three months from July. Both challenges also offer shorter-distance options, along with ongoing support and encouragement from Diabetes UK, with the additional backing from GLL.
James Beeby, Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Diabetes UK, said
“We’re delighted to partner with GLL again, to inspire more people to take on a new fundraising challenge.
“Being physically active plays an important role in overall health and wellbeing and events like Swim22 and the One Million Step Challenge make it fun, achievable, and rewards for everyone involved. Across the UK, Better leisure centres support their members to improve their physical and mental health and it is this shared aim that makes this collaboration so fitting.”
All funds raised through these challenges will support Diabetes UK in its vital work to fund life-saving research and helping people living with diabetes access the care and support they need.
