Swimmers told to splash out in world’s largest fundraiser

Leeds-based Commonwealth Games finalist Anne Bochmann, Harrogate-born Commonwealth Games diver and British Champion Oliver Dingley and GB Senior Ironman Bill Hitchcock were at the regional launch of the annual Swimathon event. They joined swimmers at the Hyrdo Pool in Harrogate to promote the fundraiser, which will take place from April 27 to 29.

Ms Bochmann said: “With the London Olympics sure to inspire the nation into the water, the Swimathon Weekend will give swimmers an additional reason to swim more often, as they prepare for the challenge and also aim to raise money for some fantastic charities.”

This year’s event will be staged in 645 pools across the UK and will raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and Sport Relief’s Big Splash. Swimathon started in 1986 and since then more than 500,000 swimmers have taken part, raising over £36m for charity.

Entries for the event, which will involve five-kilometre, 2.5-kilometre or team five-kilometre challenges, can be submitted at www.swimathon.org until April 25.

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