World’s biggest fundraising swim

Held at over 600 pools across the UK from April 26-28, the event sees thousands of swimmers challenge themselves through 5k, 2.5k and 1.5k individual challenges or Team 5k/1.5k challenges, while raising funds to help Marie Curie Nurses care for terminally ill people at the end of their lives.

Swimathon is the perfect way to start the New Year and a new you. Whatever your ability, swimming is a great form of exercise, and is relaxing for the mind and body.

Swimming also helps to build endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness.

Entries for Swimathon 2013 opened this month. Presenter, Tim Lovejoy and Swimathon President/Olympic gold medallist, Duncan Goodhew launched the event on January 16 with the unveiling of the Swimathon Squad.

Hand-picked by Duncan himself, the Squad is made up of Tim, Sportsister Editor Louise Hudson, Marie Curie Cancer Care supporter Sue Barclay, and Swimathon competition winner, Jennifer Sutton.

The launch saw the Squad take part in their first training session ahead of their 5k team challenge later this year at London’s Oasis Sports Centre.

Tim Lovejoy comments: “Being part of the Swimathon Squad is a fantastic opportunity to brush up on my swimming skills, while raising awareness of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“Like many people, my family has been affected by cancer so I know just how important the Marie Curie Nursing service is to people at the end of their lives and their families.

“I am normally only a recreational swimmer, but when Duncan approached me to take part in the 5k relay as part of the Squad, I couldn’t say no. I hope that we as a Squad will act as an inspiration to swimmers of all abilities and backgrounds.”

Duncan Goodhew comments: “It’s going to be a busy few months coaching, and taking part in the Swimathon Squad 5k team challenge.

“The Squad provides a fantastic opportunity to bring together swimmers of all abilities and demonstrate to the thousands of people taking part in Swimathon every year that anyone can achieve their goal regardless of their ability, while raising funds for Marie Cure Cancer Care as they smash

their target.”

Tim Bolton adds: “Swimathon is a fantastic way to bring our community together, to raise money for charity, and provides a great challenge.”

Zoggs UK Marketing Manager, David Annand said: “Zoggs are extremely proud to be partnering Swimathon 2013. We have a great passion for swimming and believe it to be one of life’s great pleasures. As the leading swim brand in UK Leisure we encourage everyone – whatever age, sex or ability – at all swimming pools nationwide to take part in this great challenge and raise much needed funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.’’

Marie Curie Cancer Care gives people with terminal illnesses the choice to die at home.

Funds raised by taking on Swimathon 2013 will help Marie Curie nurses provide them and their families with free hands-on care and emotional support, in their own homes, right until the end.

Enter online for a Swimathon session before January 31, and you’ll enjoy half price entry.

Swimmer entry is open at www.swimathon.org until 24 April 2013.

CHRISTOPHER KEELER

Operations manager, Pavilions in the Park, Hurst Road, Horsham