Swimathon 2008 launched at Richmond Swimming Pool this week - the world’s largest swimming fundraising event will take place at over 500 pools throughout the UK including an event at Richmond Pool on 19th April.

Chris Chatten the newly appointed Business Development Manager at Richmondshire Leisure Trust said: “Many people set themselves health goals in the new year. Swimathon 2008 is the perfect opportunity for everyone in Richmondshire to fulfil New Year’s resolutions whilst raising much needed funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care to make a difference to the lives of terminally ill patients.”

Now in its 22nd year, almost half a million swimmers have taken part in Swimathon; swimming the equivalent of over 24 times round the world and raising over £30 million for charity.

In 2008, 19,000 people are expected to ‘Swim the Challenge’ to raise £1.8 million for Marie Curie Cancer Care and The Swimathon Foundation. Marie Curie Cancer Care provides high quality nursing, totally free to give terminally ill patients the choice of dying at home supported by their families.

As well as providing a home nursing service, the charity runs 10 Marie Curie Hospices which actively promote the best quality of life for people with cancer and other illnesses, completely free. In addition, the charity also runs the world-renowned Marie Curie Research Institute, which investigates the causes and treatments of cancer

Duncan Goodhew, Olympic Gold medallist and president of The Swimathon Foundation, comments: ‘Swimming is a great overall workout. It uses every muscle group in the body whilst burning more calories than other activities, such as running, and is one of the government’s targeted sports to reduce obesity. Swimathon is not only a great form of exercise for all, but a great team activity for friends, families and colleagues.’

To find out more about Swimathon, sign-up for the 2008 challenge go to: www.swimathon.org

To find out more about Marie Curie Cancer Care, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk