Jodie Kidd Dives into World's Biggest Fundraising Swim

Entries for the 25th annual Swimathon opened last week with TV presenter, model and keen swimmer Jodie Kidd and London 2012 Ambassador Duncan Goodhew swimming the first two lengths at London’s Oasis Sports Centre. 

Swimathon again joins forces with Marie Curie Cancer Care and, for the first time, the BBC’s and British Swimming’s Big Splash, and Sport Relief, to host the event in 645 pools across the UK between 27 and 29 April 2012.  Swimathon Weekend participants swimming for Marie Curie Cancer Care can choose from the 5k, 2.5k or Team 5k challenges and those opting to raise money for the ‘Big Splash Mile for Sport Relief’ can take part individually or as part of a team to complete the Mile.

Swimmers will be provided with tips, expert advice and British Gas Swimfit Training Plans designed by 10k World Champion Keri-Anne Payne for the 5k Challenge, Duncan Goodhew for the 2.5k Challenge and Jodie Kidd for the Mile.

Jodie Kidd said: "I‘m delighted to help launch the 25th Swimathon - and in such a special sporting year for this country. With all the talk of being inspired to take up exercise in 2012, it’s events like this that give us all that sometimes necessary goal to aim for. Whilst I can’t claim to be a fish in the water exactly, diving into my local pool is something I definitely enjoy. And even more so now that I can take in my little boy with me.”

"Of course, Swimathon Weekend isn’t just about fitness and personal achievement. With the funds this year going to both Marie Curie Cancer Care and Sport Relief, all of that perspiration is even more worthwhile.”

Swimathon President Duncan Goodhew said: "We all know that 2012 will be a very special year for sport in Britain. In our 25th Anniversary year, we’d love to add to the half a million people who have taken part in the event over the years to dive into pools up and down the country. Teaming up with the Big Splash is not only a great way to help make this happen, but should also boost the total funds raised for two important charities; Marie Curie Cancer Care and Sport Relief.” 

Funds raised by taking on the 5k or 2.5k Swimathon Distance Challenges for Marie Curie Cancer Care will provide free nursing care and support for people with terminal cancer and other illnesses. The charity expects to care for over 31,000 terminally ill patients in the community and in its hospices this year.

All the money raised by the public for the Big Splash Mile for Sport Relief will be spent by Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives; both here, at home in the UK, and across the world's poorest countries.

Each of the first 10,000 people to sign up online for a Swimathon Weekend challenge before 31 January 2012 will enjoy half price entry. Swimmer entry is open at www.swimathon.org until 25 April 2012.

Simply choose your challenge, register and start training today! Plus, with half price registration in January it’s the perfect way to kick start your fitness goals for the New Year.