Get set for this year’s Swimathon challenge
Press release published
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Take to the pool for Swimathon and raise money for Marie Curie “Swimathon provides a fantastic opportunity to bring together swimmers of all abilities and demonstrates year on year that anyone can achieve their goal regardless of their ability, while raising funds for a good cause. In 2015, thousands of swimmers will be inspired to challenge themselves and raise vital funds for Marie curie while smashing their targets.” “I’m so excited to be part of this year’s campaign alongside Duncan. Marie Curie does amazing work for people with a terminal illness and their families. The nurses really do an outstanding job; and raising money to support the work they do whilst getting fit by swimming, particularly after all the Christmas festivities, is a great way to start the New Year.” Commonwealth gold medallist, Siobhan O’Connor, is also getting behind this year’s campaign, and is looking forward to Swimathon 2015 at the London Aquatics Centre (LAC), talking about the event she said: “Swimming is a great way to get into shape, particularly after all the Christmas festivities. It’s going to be great to be at the LAC alongside Duncan and Linda – to support those taking on the Swimathon challenge.” Marie Curie provides care and support to over 40,000 people living with terminal illnesses out in the community or in one of its nine hospices. Funds raised by Swimathon 2015 for Marie Curie will help people and their families living with a terminal illness make the most of the time they have together by delivering expert care, emotional support, research and guidance. Swimathon entries are open until 15 April, 2015. Register at Swimathon.org or call 0845 36 700 36.
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Contact information
Updated
Notes to editor
About Swimathon
- Swimathon is the world's biggest fundraising swim, and will take place from 17-19 April 2015
- The event will incorporate the 5k, 2.5k, 1.5k and Team 5k/1.5k challenges for Marie Curie
- Swimathon started in 1986 and since then more than half a million swimmers have taken part, raising over £40 million for charity
- Pools and operators continue to encourage visitors to enter Swimathon, with more than 68% of participants in 2014 hearing about the event through their swimming pool. Their continued support is extremely important to the success of the event
- Swimathon has raised funds for a variety of nominated charities, including Comic Relief, Macmillan Cancer Support, NSPCC, The British Heart Foundation, The Prince’s Trust and, most recently, Marie Curie and The Swimathon Foundation
About The Swimathon Foundation
- The Swimathon Foundation, a company limited by guarantee, is the independent registered charity, which owns the annual national Swimathon event (charity number 1123870).
- The Swimathon Foundation was formed in 2001 to guarantee the long-term future of the Swimathon event.
- The Swimathon Foundation is the legal rights owner of the Swimathon event and as such is responsible for not only the staging of the Swimathon but also the management and distribution of the funds raised by the event's participants.
- The Swimathon Foundation Trustees select the Swimathon's principal charity partner, which receives the majority of the fundraising income, as well as awarding grants to local organisations whose projects help promote swimming in their communities
- The Swimathon Foundation provides grants of between £300 and £2,500 to organisations including swimming pools, operators, clubs, community organisations and charities that can demonstrate how funding will allow them to help more people participate in and enjoy swimming and to make swimming more accessible.
- For further information visit the Swimathon Foundation website at: www.swimathonfoundation.org. This website provides information about how to apply for a grant.
About Marie Curie
- Marie Curie has been the official charity partner of Swimathon between 2007 – 2013, and is back again for 2015
- Swimmers raised over £9 million for the charity between 2007 – 2013, providing thousands of hours of nursing care and support to terminally ill people and their families.
- Marie Curie is the leading charity providing care and support to people living with any terminal illness and their families.
- Every year the charity cares for around 40,000 people with terminal illnesses out in the community or in one of its nine hospices.
- The charity is a leader in research into the best ways of caring for people with a terminal illness. In addition to this the charity designs and advises on end of life services and works to ensure that the best possible care and patient choice is at the heart of commissioning end of life care across the UK. All Marie Curie services are completely free of charge to patients and their families.
About Zoggs
- Born in Australia, Zoggs has a passion for swimming and believes it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures, whether you swim every day, have a love for the great outdoors or simply enjoy taking the plunge when you’re on holiday.
- This passion began with goggles and now Zoggs is a one stop shop for everything swimming: from goggles and training aids to sun protection and children’s games, as well as an extensive range of swimwear.
- Zoggs products are designed to enhance the freedom and fun of recreational and fitness swimming, for all swimmers, whatever their age or ability. * www.zoggs.com
About British Swimming
British Swimming is the National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Open Water in Great Britain. The members of British Swimming are the three Home Countries national governing bodies of England (ASA), Scotland (Scottish ASA) and Wales (Swim Wales).
The ASA is the English national governing body for swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and water polo. It organises competitions throughout England, establishes the laws of the sport, and operates a comprehensive certification and education programmes for teachers, coaches and officials. There are 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs, which are supported by the ASA through a national, regional and county structure. Millions of children have been taught to swim through the ASA’s learn to swim programmes. The ASA also develops programmes and initiatives to increase the number of people swimming and swimming more often.