WITH Swimathon 2013 just around the corner, people in Uttlesford are being encouraged to take part in sessions at one of the district’s swimming pools.

Over 600 pools across the UK are involved in the event, from April 26-28, including Great Dunmow Leisure Centre and Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre in Saffron Walden.

Now people across the district are being invited to dip a toe into the water and take on the challenge by joining thousands of other swimmers raising vital funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. People can enter Swimathon’s 5k, 2.5k and 1.5k individual challenges or Team 5k/1.5k challenges.

Swimathon 2013 is headed up by the Swimathon Squad with Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon president Duncan Goodhew at the helm. Supporting will be TV presenter Tim Lovejoy, Marie Curie Cancer Care supporter Sue Barclay, Swimathon competition winner Jennifer Sutton’ and Sportsister editor Louise Hudson. With each of the members spanning different levels of swimming skills from beginner to professional, the squad aims to show the public you don’t have to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the challenge and take part.

Swimathon is open to all ages and abilities and provides a great form of exercise, which can help to relax the mind and body and also build endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness.

Steve Goddard, contract manager at Great Dunmow and Lord Butler, said: “Swimathon 2013 is the ideal event to train for, and participate in, with your friends and family. You can take part either as an individual or as a team. Whilst setting yourself a challenge to work towards, you can also raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care while you swim.”

Duncan Goodhew said: “Swimathon is a great way to step up your swimming skills regardless of how long you have swum or how well you swim. By taking to the pool you can raise money for charity and shake off those winter blues while you complete your challenge!”

Partnering with Swimathon in 2013, Zoggs will provide all participating swimmers with Zoggs swim caps.

Marie Curie Cancer Care gives people with 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.