SWIMATHON, the world’s biggest annual fundraising swim, is back for 2015 and swimmers across the country are poised to take to one of the over 600 participating pools and raise vital funds for Marie Curie.

Taking place across the weekend of April 17-19, this year’s event is set to be the biggest yet.

Marie Curie Community Fundraiser Karen Jones is encouraging people in South Wales to put on their swim suits and head down to their local pool to take on a Swimathon Challenge: “We’re looking for swimmers who are up to the challenge to help make this the biggest and best Swimathon yet.

"In 2013, more than 250 swimmers took part across South Wales and together raised a brilliant £23,967 for Marie Curie – a really fantastic achievement that we hope to smash this year. To find your nearest pool visit swimathon.org."

Swimmers can challenge themselves to the 5k, 2.5k or 1.5k individual or Team 5k or 1.5k swims and raise funds for Marie Curie.

Olympic gold medalist Duncan Goodhew and TV presenter and interior designer Linda Barker are heading up this year’s campaign, and are calling on people of all ages to set themselves the challenge and take to the water.

Duncan Goodhew, MBE, Olympic gold medallist, said:

“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.”

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 April 15, 2015. Register at Swimathon.org or call 0845 36 700 36.