Olympic swimmer calls on Hartlepool fundraisers to make a splash for charity

Swimathon 2017 will take place at over 600 pools across the UK next month, from April 7-9 and people are being asked to join the momentous occasion and sign up to be part of Swimathon’s 30th year.

Swimmers at the Mill House Leisure Centre in Hartlepool are getting ready for a last training and fundraising push before their big day.

Participants can challenge themselves to the 5k, 2.5k or 1.5k individual or team 5k or 1.5k distances and raise funds for Marie Curie.

Marie Curie community fundraiser Lisa Wild is encouraging people in Hartlepool to head down to their local pool.

She said: “So far thousands of swimmers have signed up to take part in what I’m sure will be a brilliant event. It’s not too late to sign up for this year’s Swimathon, raise vital funds for Marie Curie and take on the challenge to make this year the best Swimathon yet.”

Olympic gold medalist Duncan Goodhew is backing this year’s campaign, and is calling on people of all ages to set themselves the challenge and take to the water.

Swimathon president and Olympic gold-medallist, Duncan said: “Swimmers can still sign up today. It will be a really special event being the 30th Swimathon and I look forward to seeing swimmers of all ages and abilities coming together to raise vital funds for Marie Curie to continue their work caring for people living with any terminal illness, and their families.”

Marie Curie is the official charity of Swimathon 2017.

For further information about Swimathon including how to sign up visit: www.Swimathon.org.

People can also call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309, which is aimed at anyone affected by terminal illness, including family and friends.