Diving in for diabetes.

Battling tides and dodging boats, one man intends to make a real splash to highlight a growing health problem, writes Eve Dugdale

So you want to raise awareness about a growing health concern? You could tell a few friends about the issue during a dinner party or drop a few coins in a box and wear a ribbon to show your support.

How about organising a sponsored walk or similar event to generate interest and create a bit of a buzz?

Or, you could really throw yourself in at the deep end and volunteer to swim an almighty 25 kilometres between two of Dubai's most famous landmarks. That's what Jason Thom has decided to do.

Eager to raise awareness about diabetes - an ever increasing problem particularly in this part of the world - the 29-year-old South African has decided to swim from the Palm Jebel Ali to Jumeirah Palm on World Diabetes Day, November 14.

It'll be a world first if he does it, and, as a former sprint swimmer he's pretty confident he can battle the waves.

"The idea came to me as it's a personal challenge. I've been swimming since I was nine, I have a natural aptitude for it.

"I had a sprint swimming career back home in South Africa but I retired from it when I went to university," says Jason. "I swam the English Channel when I was 16. It's a while back but I still remember it and it made me want to do another long distance swim."

Although many may be motivated to raise awareness about a particular cause after being directly affected by it, Jason has no relatives who suffer from diabetes.

But he says he's particularly concerned about the rapid increase in cases, especially here in the UAE.

"I chose diabetes because it's something I think about a lot. I've always been very aware of my own diet - not adding extra salt or sugar to meals for example and exercising. I'm also passionate about getting people outdoors and making simple, yet small changes to their lifestyle that over a short space of time can make a world of difference," he explains.

"I am using the swim as a means to focus the spotlight on diabetes and in particular, the UAE. The world is currently experiencing an epidemic in the number of people now being diagnosed with the disease, and the UAE has one of the highest rates of diabetes, per capita in the world - almost 20 per cent of the population."

Jason has been training for the challenge for a year and currently swims around five kilometres a day although he covered ten during the peak of his training.

He adds: "When I went to university and gave up sprint swimming I had become worn out from it - training twice a day every day since I was nine. Training for this swim has changed a lot because it's distance orientated. Previously it was about power and speed.

"When I was preparing for the English Channel swim, the worst part was the training in really cold water. The English Channel turned out to be around 14 to 16 degrees but we'd been training back home in the hypothermia temperatures. At least we don't have that problem in Dubai."

It should take Jason between three to five hours to complete the swim depending on the finalised route and the direction of the tide. And he's encouraging anybody who wants to come along to support him to head down on the day.

"There will be a safety boat following behind me in case I require medical assistance with a captain on board planning the route because I have to cross Jebel Ali channel which is obviously a logistical nightmare because of all the ships going into port. They won't stop - we have to stop and wait.

"People can follow me on kayaks or canoes next to the safety boat if they like or assemble at the arrival point - Barasti at Mina Seyahi."

Jason says, depending on the success of the swim, he hopes to make it an annual event. It's already been endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Health.

He adds: "A lot of people have expressed interest in swimming it with me but it's not logistically possible this year. Next year I'll hopefully get some top South African marathon swimmers to come over.

"When I swam from Dover to the south of Calais, I arrived and it was literally like swimming up to a rock festival. It would be great to recreate that atmosphere!"

*Anyone who wants to find out more about the event or any companies interested in sponsoring it can call Jason on 050 880 3203 or visit his web site www.palmtopalmswim.com

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