GLL Teams Up with Diabetes UK to Get South London Moving 2026

Key Points

• Social enterprise and leisure operator GLL is partnering with Diabetes UK for the third consecutive year to promote physical activity and fundraising in south London and across the UK.​
• The collaboration focuses on Diabetes UK’s virtual challenges, including Swim22 (swimming the English Channel distance over 12 weeks) and the One Million Step Challenge (1 million steps over three months, averaging 10,000-10,800 steps daily).
• GLL operates over 250 ‘Better’ leisure centres UK-wide, including multiple sites in south London, targeting its 800,000 members via social media, apps, and facilities.
• Support includes discounted leisure centre memberships, free online and in-person training events, training tips, and advice to help participants prepare safely.
• Aims to raise awareness of diabetes, with 4.6 million diagnosed cases in the UK (up from 4.4 million last year), 6.3 million with prediabetes, and 1.3 million undiagnosed type 2 diabetes—affecting one in five adults.​
• Funds raised support Diabetes UK’s research, care, and prevention efforts, highlighting exercise’s role in managing blood sugar, weight, and insulin resistance.
• Joseph Rham, GLL’s Customer and Communities Director (or Customer Experience Director in prior reports), emphasised the importance of activity amid rising type 2 diabetes risks.
• James Beeby, Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Diabetes UK, praised the partnership for enhancing supporter experiences and reaching new audiences.
• Previous collaborations in 2024 and 2025 were successful pilots, now extended into 2026 with a south London focus via local ‘Better’ centres.
• Challenges are accessible, free to join (no minimum sponsorship), with flexible distances and remote support; sign up at swim22.diabetes.org.uk or step.diabetes.org.uk.
• Broader context: Diabetes UK works in south-east coast and London regions, including Greater London, to improve care and prevent type 2 rise through activity and diet.​

South London (South London News) March 18, 2026 – Social enterprise and leisure operator GLL has announced a renewed partnership with leading health charity Diabetes UK to encourage thousands across south London to get active through popular fundraising challenges in 2026, building on successful collaborations in prior years.

This initiative targets GLL’s ‘Better’ leisure centres in south London, promoting Swim22 and the One Million Step Challenge to boost physical health, mental wellbeing, and funds for diabetes research. With diabetes affecting millions UK-wide, the partnership underscores exercise’s role in prevention and management.

What Is the GLL-Diabetes UK Partnership?

The collaboration marks the third year of teamwork between GLL and Diabetes UK, evolving from 2024 pilots to a nationwide effort with emphasis on south London communities. As reported in Outdoor Swimmer Magazine, GLL first teamed up in 2024 to support Swim22 and One Million Steps by raising awareness and aiding participation.

GLL, operator of over 250 ‘Better’ facilities including gyms, pools, and pitches, will promote the challenges to its 800,000 members via social media, the Better app, and on-site at south London venues. Participants gain discounted memberships, free training events (online and in-person), and expert tips for safe preparation.

Joseph Rham, GLL’s Customer and Communities Director, stated in a Better.org.uk release:

“We are delighted to be supporting Diabetes UK for the second year [in 2025 context, extended to 2026] on these important fundraising initiatives. With an estimated 6.3 million people in the UK at risk of developing type two diabetes it has never been more important to raise awareness of the condition and an understanding of how to reduce the risk.”

Which Challenges Are Involved?

What Is Swim22?

Swim22 challenges participants to swim the English Channel’s width (around 22 miles) at their own pace over 12 weeks, suitable for all levels with flexible distances. As detailed by Joseph Rham in Outdoor Swimmer Magazine:

“Taking part in the Swim22 and One Million Step challenges are a fantastic way to stay motivated, raise funds for a worthy cause and support health and weight loss goals.”

GLL enhances access via ‘Better’ pools in south London, offering training support. Sign-up is at swim22.diabetes.org.uk, with all funds aiding Diabetes UK’s research.

What Is the One Million Step Challenge?

This initiative requires 1 million steps over three months (July to September in past years, adaptable for 2026), equating to about 10,000-10,800 daily steps. Joseph Rham of GLL noted in GLL’s 2025 announcement:

“Walking is the most accessible way for people to engage with exercise, it’s something that can be done without preparation or training and regardless of fitness levels, making it the ideal fundraising mechanic.”

Free to join at step.diabetes.org.uk, no minimum sponsorship needed, promoted at south London ‘Better’ centres.​

Why Focus on South London?

South London’s ‘Better’ leisure centres, part of GLL’s network, are central to the rollout, supporting local efforts against diabetes amid urban health challenges. London Daily News reported:

“‘Better’ leisure centres across south London will be supporting leading health charity Diabetes UK with one of the charity’s key fundraising initiatives.”​

Diabetes UK’s south-east and London team covers Greater London, working with professionals to improve care and prevent type 2 via activity. The area’s diverse communities benefit from accessible facilities, aligning with GLL’s community mission.

What Do Officials Say?

James Beeby, Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Diabetes UK, commented in Better.org.uk:

“We’re delighted to be working with GLL again after a successful pilot last year to enhance our supporters’ experience and to help us reach new audiences who could benefit from our challenges. 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.”​

In Outdoor Swimmer Magazine, Beeby added:

“Whether you want to get more active, improve your overall health or challenge yourself to achieve a fitness goal, our virtual events are a great way to do so.”​

Joseph Rham emphasised prevention:

“We know the benefits that being active can have in terms of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, which in turn can help with blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance.”​

How Serious Is the Diabetes Crisis in the UK?

Diabetes UK data shows 4.6 million diagnosed cases, up from 4.4 million, plus 6.3 million with prediabetes and 1.3 million undiagnosed type 2—over 12 million affected. Complications include 184 weekly amputations, 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks, and 2,300 heart failures.

As per Health Club Management press release:

“Without the right care and support, people with all types of diabetes can be at risk of developing serious complications.”

Exercise via these challenges aids remission and management.

What Support Does GLL Provide?

Beyond promotion, GLL offers four-month free memberships in some past incentives, discounted access, and hosted events. Training via the Better app includes classes and tips tailored for diabetes risks.

In Fundraising.co.uk coverage:

“GLL… will offer challenge participants a discounted leisure centre membership, will host free training events and provide training tips and advice.”​

What Has Been the History of This Partnership?

Started in 2024 with Swim22 and One Million Steps, as per Outdoor Swimmer:

“Leisure operator GLL has this week announced plans to work alongside… Diabetes UK.”

Renewed in 2025 as a “second year” success, per Better.org.uk. Now 2026 brings south London momentum, per London-TV.co.uk.

GLL’s Joseph Rham noted in 2024:

“Diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic conditions in the world. We also know that weight loss can… help to lower blood sugar levels and even put type 2 diabetes into remission.”​

How Can South Londoners Get Involved?

Visit swim22.diabetes.org.uk or step.diabetes.org.uk to register—free, flexible, with GLL perks at local centres. Follow ‘Better’ south London sites for events, or use the app for tips.