JUMP in the pool at Farnham Leisure Centre this April to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Swimathon and raise vital funds for Marie Curie, the UK’s leading charity for people living with a terminal illness and their families.

Swimathon began in 1986 as a pilot programme for swimmers in London only. Since the launch of the annual event in 1988, nearly 700,000 participants have taken part and raised £46 million which has been distributed to 36 different charities.

This year’s landmark event will take place across the weekend of April 7 to 9 and swimmers can challenge themselves to the 5k, 2.5k or 1.5k individual or team 5k or 1.5k distances in aid of Marie Curie, the official charity of Swimathon 2017.

Marie Curie community fundraiser, Emily Akeroyd, is encouraging people in Surrey to put on their swim suits and head down to their local pool to take in a Swimathon challenge.

She said: “We are very lucky to have 15 pools signed up to host Swimathon in West Surrey, including Farnham Leisure Centre and we’re looking for swimmers to help make this the biggest and best Swimathon yet.

“If you are unable to take part across the April weekend you can still join in by signing up for Simply Swim and completing a distance of your choice in your own time.

“All sponsorship raised will help our 13 nurses in Surrey continue supporting families who need us.”

For further information about Swimathon including how to sign up visit www.Swimathon.org.