General Features

Duncan Goodhew in the pool

Now in its 22nd year, Swimathon takes place at 13 pools in the West Midlands area.

The event is open to all, regardless of age or ability and to raise money for the Swimathon Foundation, which promotes the benefits of physical activity, particularly swimming.

The 2008 Swimathon was launched in the West Midlands on 16th January at the Fox Hollies Leisure Centre in Acocks Green by Olympic Gold Medallist Duncan Goodhew.

The Mayor and Mayoress at the launch

The event's chosen charity - Marie Curie - provides high quality nursing completely free to patients with terminal cancer.

Solihull branch

The Solihull branch is the only Marie Curie hospice in the West Midlands, and aims to raise £900,000 this year of which they hope around £50,000 will be generated by the Swimathon.

Ann Brady from Droitwich, was the 2006 Marie Curie Nurse of the Year and was at the event. Ann said: "I've worked for Marie Curie for nine years as a community nurse visiting patients and their families in their homes, so I see first hand where the donations go to.

Mayor and Mayoress with Marie Curie team

"It can be a demanding job but nevertheless I find it very rewarding. I have personally raised £2,500 for the charity but nurses like me are in short supply, meaning the charity desperately needs funds to allow more nurses to be trained."

Solihull Mayor Gary Allport – also present at the launch - said: "Marie Curie Cancer nurses have a high reputation for the professionalism and sympathetic manner that they support families and I think they are an excellent organisation."

Get involved

For those wishing to take part there are a number of distance options. 1.5K for anyone who swims occasionally, 2.5K for intermediate swimmers and 5K which requires at least six weeks of training. Teams of five can also compete in this challenge.

Duncan Goodhew with swimmers

Alternatively if you would rather do it all at your own pace, the Simply Swim challenge allows you to cover any distance at any pool, any time.

Information on how to join up and locations of pools taking part across the Birmingham area is available from: www.swimathon.org.

Information about the Marie Curie Solihull hospice is available at: www.hospicesolihull.mariecurie.org.uk