Swimathon 2008 at Bexhill Liesure Pool

Now in it's 22nd year, Swimathon is an annual four day fund raising event where people can chose to swim either 1.5km, 2.5km or 5km.

Taking the plunge for the fundraiser at the Bexhill pool was 23 year old Emily Brett, Natasha Hodges 34 and, 59 year old Anne Hay.

For both Emily and Anne it could be described as a case of diving in at the deep end as Emily had only learned to swim six months ago whereas Anne was in her early 50's before she took to the water.

Anne, who was hoping to complete 1.5 km, or 60 lengths of the pool, has been training for the past few weeks to prepare herself for the challenge.

She said: " This is an important personal challenge for me as I was in my early 50's before I learned to swim, I was very nervous of the water at first but I enjoy it now. Also, in the past two years I've lost both my Mum and my sister-in-law to Cancer so this is a doubly important event for me."

Emily only learned to swim 6 months ago and said as soon as she saw the poster advertising the event she was determined to give it a try.

She said: " I've taken the 2.5 km challenge - that's 100 lengths of the pool. It will be hard work but I'm personally hoping to raise 200.00 so it will be worth it."

Natasha took the 1.5 challenge and said she decided to enter the event, "because it's for a good cause."

President of the Swimathon Foundation, Olympic Gold medalist Duncan Goodhew remarks:

"Swimming is a great overall workout. It uses every muscle in the body whilst burning more calories than other activities 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."

For more information on Marie Curie Cancer Care visit the website at: www.mariecurie.org.uk