Londoners urged to dive into Swimathon

SWIMMING legend Duncan Goodhew MBE is calling on Londoners to take the plunge and sign up for Swimathon 2023.

The Swimathon President and former Olympian is making a splash to highlight the annual fundraiser which raises money for Cancer Research UK and the end of life charity Marie Curie.

Duncan is urging people of all ages and abilities to enter the sponsored event taking place at pools across London from 12-14 May. They include:

■ Kensington Leisure Centre

■ Chelsea Sport Centre

■ Northolt Leisure Centre

■ Acton Leisure Centre

■ Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Centre

With a variety of distances to choose from - from 400m up to 30.9k - Swimathon offers a challenge for swimmers young and old, new and experienced.

People can participate individually or as part of a team.

Any swimmers who can’t make one of the organised sessions can sign up to MySwimathon, which takes place from April 28 – May 21, and choose a time and venue that suits them.

With rising energy costs putting some community pools at risk of closure, it has been another challenging year for swimming.

Not only does the event support vital charities, £2.50 from the entry fee of everybody taking part at an official Swimathon venue is donated to help protect these pools for the future.

Goodhew, who won an Olympic Gold medal for the 100m breaststroke at the 1980 Moscow games, said: “It is a truly inclusive event with so many ways to take part for every level of swimmer.

“You don’t need to be the fittest or the fastest.

“You just need to try your best and enjoy yourself, while fundraising for two important charities who need our support.”

Since launching in 1986, more than 750,000 swimmers have taken part in Swimathon, raising over £55million for charitable causes.

To sign or for further information visit swimathon.org