April 25, 2012 11.16 am This story is over 143 months old

Locals swim the distance for charity

Fundraisers: Locals will be raising money for charity by swimming for miles.

Lincoln swimmers are preparing for a gruelling swimathon this week, all in the name of charity.

Swimmers will be taking part in the Swimathon Distance Challenge at Yarborough Leisure Centre on April 27 and 28.

Across the country, different pools will be hosting their own Swimathon Weekend events to fundraise for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

There are 5k, 2.5k and Team 5k Distance Challenges swimmers will be able to partake in.

The money raised will go towards free nursing care and support for people with terminal cancer and other illnesses.

As part of a national Sport Relief challenge, 645 pools including Yarborough will host the new Big Splash Mile or Team Splash Mile.

The Sport Relief money will go towards the next Comic Relief, an event aimed at raising funds for people living tough lives in the UK and poorest countries.

Jo Worsdall, Swimming Development Manager, said: “It’s going to be fantastic to see so many people in our community getting in the pool for this fundraising challenge.

“People taking part will be having fun, as well as raising money for great causes.”

Duncan Goodhew, Swimathon Weekend President, said: “We all know that sports such as swimming will enjoy their time in the limelight this year.

“With 2012 also being our 25th anniversary year, we’d love to add to the half a million people who have taken part so far, by asking everyone to dive into pools up and down the country.

“These amazing people have raised over £36 million for charity to date!”

April 25 is the last date you can enter one of the five challenges — Team 5k or Splash requires up to 5 people.

To enter or sponsor a swimmer, visit the Swimathon Weekend page for Yarborough.

Source: Active Nation