Enter and raise funds for cancer (From Western Telegraph)

Enter and raise funds for cancer

11:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in Sport

The world’s biggest fundraising swim is back for another year and Marie Curie Cancer Care is urging swimmers across Pembrokeshire to sign up for a new challenge for 2013.

Held at over 600 pools across the UK from April 26th — 28th, the event sees thousands of swimmers challenge themselves through 5k, 2.5k and 1.5k individual challenges or Team 5k/1.5k challenges, while raising funds to help Marie Curie Nurses care for terminally ill people at the end of their lives.

Presenter Tim Lovejoy and Swimathon President/Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew launched the event this week with the unveiling of their Swimathon Squad. Marie Curie Cancer Care supporter, Tim and Duncan undertook their first training session this month ahead of their 5k team challenge later this year.

Tim Lovejoy commented: “Being part of the Swimathon Squad is a fantastic opportunity to brush up on my swimming skills, while raising awareness of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Like many people, my family has been affected by cancer so I know just how important the Marie Curie Nursing service is to people at the end of their lives and their families.

Hannah Leckie, community fundraiser for west Wales says: “Every year people across Pembrokeshire take on a Swimathon challenge and have a great time raising funds along the way.

You can even choose to take part individually or as part of a team. This year we hope even more people will take the plunge and raise funds to help Marie Curie Nurses provide more free nursing care to terminally ill people in their own homes.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care gives people with all terminal illnesses the choice to die at home.

Funds raised by taking on Swimathon 2013 will help Marie Curie nurses provide them and their families with free hands-on care and emotional support, in their own homes, right until the end.

Swimmer entry is open at www.swimathon.org.