FORMER team GB swimmer Mark Foster is calling on people across Solihull to take the plunge and sign up for Swimathon 2022.
The swimming hero is helping to highlight the annual fundraiser which raises money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie, which has a hospice here in Solihull.
He is urging people of all ages and abilities to enter the sponsored event taking place at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre in Blossomfield Road, from May 6-8.
With a variety of distances to choose from – from 400m up to 30.9k – Swimathon offers a challenge for swimmers young and old, new and experienced. People can participate individually or as part of a team.
Any swimmers who can’t make one of the organised sessions can sign up to MySwimathon, which takes place from 29 April -15 May, and choose a time and venue that suits them.
After another challenging year for the sport, following the impact of the pandemic, Mark is championing the positive power of swimming to help inspire people to get back to the pool.
He said: “Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise, with a wide range of benefits for both your physical and mental health and is accessible to people with varying abilities and needs.
“So, whether you’re a keen swimmer who is in the pool all the time, prefer to be in open water or if you are just dipping your toes in for the first time, Swimathon is the perfect challenge for everyone.”
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: “It really doesn’t matter if you’re not the fittest or the fastest, Swimathon is such a fun and simple way to encourage people to get swimming – all while supporting causes which are close to the hearts of so many.
“One in two of us will get cancer, but all of us can support the research that will beat it.”
Swimming regularly is also gentle on the joints, can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep patterns.
Sign up for Swimathon 2022 at swimathon.org. Between March 8-16 use code SPRINGSALE35 for a 35 per cent discount off the registration fee.
