Beverley Leisure Centre will be one of 645 pools nationwide to host the world’s biggest fundraising swim on Sunday, 29 April from 9am-12noon.
Swimmers in the East Riding will make a splash for charity as they complete the Swimathon Weekend 2012 to help raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care through Swimathon’s established 5k, 2.5k and Team 5k Distance Challenges and for Sport Relief through the new ‘Big Splash Mile’.
Nick Saunders, swimming coordinator at Beverley Leisure Complex, said: “It’s going to be fantastic to see so many people in our community getting in the pool for this fundraising challenge. People taking part will be having fun, as well as raising money for great causes.”
Funds raised through the Swimathon Distance Challenges for Marie Curie Cancer Care will provide free nursing care and support for people with terminal cancer and other illnesses. The charity expects to care for over 31,000 terminally ill patients in the community and in its hospices this year.
Money raised by the public for the Big Splash Mile for Sport Relief will be spent by Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives both at home in the UK, and across the world’s poorest countries.
Swimathon Weekend president, Duncan Goodhew, said: “We all know that sports such as swimming will be in the limelight this year. With 2012 also being Swimathon Weekend’s 25th Anniversary year, we’d love to add to the half a million people who have taken part so far, by asking everyone to dive into pools up and down the country.
“These amazing people have raised over £36 million for charity to date. By teaming up with the Big Splash, we’re aiming to raise record amounts for two important charities, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Sport Relief.”
Double Olympic gold medallist (and Speedo ambassador) Rebecca Adlington, said: “The Big Splash Mile for Sport Relief is not only a great way to raise money it is also a good way to encourage people to get into swimming. London is the place to be for sport this year. Doing the Mile will help you feel part of a major sporting event. On top of that, it is a great way to give back and support a good cause. The smallest amount of money could make such a massive difference to people’s lives. It’s a great event and Sport Relief is an amazing campaign. A Mile is not that far – anyone can do it!”
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for rural issues and cultural services, said: “We are delighted to see the return of this event at Beverley Leisure Complex on its 25th anniversary. The Swimathon Weekend not only raises money and awareness for many worthy causes, it also encourages people of all abilities to become involved in something that they can be proud of. We hope to continue being involved in this popular event in the future.”
The Swimathon Weekend 2012 is open to all ages and abilities, encouraging people to challenge themselves to swim 5k, 2.5k or 1 mile. Teams of up to five people can also take on the Swimathon Team 5k or the Big Splash Team Mile. To sponsor a swimmer or to find out more visit www.swimathon.org
