A FORMER Olympian is calling on people to take the plunge and sign up for the world's biggest swimming fundraiser.

Mark Foster, who used to swim for Team GB and is now a leading commentator on the sport, wants people from Sussex to take part in a Swimathon that will be hosted between September 10 and 12.

The sponsored event raises money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie, which provides care and support for people living with a terminal illness.

There is a variety of distances for people to choose from, from 400 metres up to a Triple 5k as well as 30.9 km for those with the necessary endurance.

The Swimathon Festival offers places for all swimming abilities, both old and young, open water and pool swimmers. People can also participate individually or as part of a team.

Swimathon, the world's biggest annual swimming fundraiser, has raised more than £55 million for charities since 1986. This year will also see the Swimathon Foundation donate £2.50 from every entry fee to help protect Swimathon venues for the future.

The Argus: Swim for charitySwim for charity

Mark said: "I have been involved with Swimathon for around ten years now, and in the current climate, this year's event feels more important than ever, both for getting the nation active again and for helping the charities that so need it.

"Covid-19 has stopped so much — there are a lot of people out there who still need help and diseases that need research. Those things don't just go away.

"We know that swimming is a wonderful boost for both physical and mental health, but it can also be a great help to charities.

"It's been great seeing so many people back in the water, and with Swimathon combining two of their great events this year, I am looking forward to what will be a brilliant celebration of both swimming and charity in September."

Participating pools and venues include:

  • King Alfred Leisure Centre in Kingsway, Hove.
  • Hailsham Leisure Centre in Vicarage Lane, Hailsham.
  • Summerfields Leisure Centre in Bohemia Road, Hastings.
  • Rye Sports Centre in The Grove, Rye.
  • Bexhill Leisure Centre in Down Road, Bexhill.
  • Uckfield Leisure Centre in Downsview Cresent, Uckfield.
  • Splashpoint Leisure Centre in Brighton Road, Worthing.
  • The Triangle in Triangle Way, Burgess Hill.
  • Steyning Leisure Centre in Horsham Rd, Steyning.
  • The Dolphin in Pasture Hill Road, Haywards Heath.
  • Billingshurst Leisure Centre in Station Road, Billingshurst.
  • K2 Crawley in Pease Pottage Hill, Crawley.
  • Arun Leisure Centre in Felpham Way, Bognor Regis.
  • Wadurs Pool in Kingston Broadway, Shoreham.

If swimmers can't make one of the organised sessions, they can sign up for MySwimathon, which takes place from September 3 to 19, and choose a time and venue that suits them.

Lynn Daly, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Sussex, said: "Swimathon is a simple and fun way to encourage people to dip their toe in the water and get swimming, while supporting incredible charities.

"It doesn't matter if you're not the fittest or the fastest. I hope swimmers, young and old, new and experienced, will grab their caps and costumes and dive in to help us keep making transformative steps in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

"One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. All of us can support the research that will beat it."

People can sign up for the Swimathon Festival at https://swimathon.org/enter-now.