Swimmers complete 62 miles to raise money for charity

The Swimathon Weekend is a national sporting event supporting two major charities: Marie Curie Cancer Care and Sport Relief. The event, which is in its 25^th year, has raised £36 million for various charities since it started. 26,000 swimmers took part all over the UK on Saturday and Sunday (28 & 29 April).

"It was the first time we have run the event at Westgate and we are really pleased with how it went and hope to repeat the event next year," says Cllr Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council.

"Swimmers completed various distances ranging from the 48 length Sport Relief mile to the 150 length 5k swim for Marie Curie. They enjoyed the challenge and there was some great feedback. It's also given swimming a boost and we have noticed that the pool has been much busier.

"We would like to say a big thank you to all the swimmers for taking part, especially some of the younger entrants. Also we would like to thank the volunteers who helped count laps, which was no easy task, and our staff team for staying late on both nights.

"There was great atmosphere on both evenings and we hope to see all the swimmers and more at next years' event, which gives plenty of time to get in training!"

The Swimathon Weekend proved a great way for people to:

• take on a challenge;
• raise money for charity;
•  enjoy a fun session in the water with friends and family;
• help get fit and keep healthy;
• feel a great sense of achievement;
• compete in a nationwide event; and,
• be part of the world's biggest fundraising swim.

For more information, please contact Westgate Leisure Chichester.

Date: 02 May 2012

Reference: 3108