A leisure centre in Preston will take part in the world’s biggest fundraising swim this weekend to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
On Sunday 29th April, Fulwood Leisure Centre on Black Bull Lane, Preston will join 645 pools up and down the country to host sessions for Swimathon 2012, with swimmers challenging themselves in 2.5k, 5k and Team 5k Distance Challenges as well as a new Big Splash Mile especially for Sport Relief.
All funds from the Distance Challenges will be donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care, and this money will go towards providing vital care and support for people with terminal cancer and other illnesses. Money raised from the Big Splash Mile will contribute to the work of Comic Relief and will be spent helping people who are suffering lives of extreme hardship both in the UK and abroad.
Swimathon is officially the world’s biggest fundraising swim. Now in its 25th year, the annual event has seen more than half a million swimmers take part, and in the process, raise over £36 million for charities such as Macmillan Cancer, NSPCC, The British Heart Foundation and The Prince’s Trust.
Swimathon Weekend President, Duncan Goodhew, 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! By teaming up with the Big Splash, we’re aiming to raise record amounts for not one, but two important charities, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Sport Relief.”
Gill Osborne, Senior Sports Development Officer for Preston City Council 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.”
Everyone is invited to take part in Swimathon 2012, regardless of their age or ability. Teams of up to five people are also welcome to participate in the Swimathon Team 5k or the Big Splash Team Mile. Entry closes on Wednesday 25 April 2012. To enter, sponsor a swimmer, or to find out more, please visit www.swimathon.org.