OLYMPIC swimmers are encouraging Bracknell residents to sign up to a national Swimathon to raise money for Cancer Research and Marie Curie.

Team GB Olympians Mark Foster and Duncan Goodhew are urging residents to sign up for the event, which takes place between March 29 and March 30.

The fundraising swim will be held in pools across Berkshire including Bracknell Leisure Centre and Carnival Pool in Wokingham.

Mark Foster said: “I’m very proud to be supporting Swimathon 2019 and I hope everyone looking to set themselves a challenge will sign up. Swimming is fantastic for your health and wellbeing as it helps to keep fit.

“As you train, you build stamina and speed, and as it’s a low impact sport, the chances of injury are low while also good for recovery if you’re coming back from injury.”

The Swimathon is designed so people with all swimming abilities can take part in 400m, 1.5k, 2,5k and 5k races.

Duncan Goodhew, Olympic gold medalist and president of Swimathon, said: “Swimathon gives everyone a chance to get active with friends and family, whilst doing some good at the same time.

“I am so proud that Swimathon gives so many people the chance to enjoy the water, get swimming and set themselves a challenge.”

In 2018 just over £2m was raised and since the fundraising started 700,000 participants have raised more than £50m for different charities.

Wanda Stockdale, a swimmer who has previously participated, said: “I really enjoy taking part in Swimathon.

“Without swimming my life falls apart, my mental health is affected, and my arthritis gets worse. It has changed my life and is the best thing that I have ever done for myself”

For more information on how to sign up visit: www.Swimathon.org.