Swimmers take plunge for charity

3:37pm Friday 2nd May 2008

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MORE than 40 people took the plunge for charity in Richmond pool.

They dived in to complete a range of different challenges suitable to their ability and helped raise thousands of pounds for charity in the annual Swimathon event.

Participants set their own choice of distance ranging from five kilometres for regular swimmers, two-and-a-half kilometres for intermediate swimmers and one-and-a-half kilometres for occasional swimmers.

There was also a five kilometre team event for those who wanted to complete the challenge with colleagues, friends and family.

The pool's operations manager Dave Pullinger said: "The event was a great success, with all participants completing their respective challenges.

I would also like to thank all the volunteers who helped on the day, as the event could not have gone ahead without them.

"A special mention must be made to the youngsters from Richmond Dales Swimming club, who were amongst the fastest finishers on the day, despite being the youngest."

The Swimathon is a nationwide event and is the world's biggest swimming fundraiser. Richmond Pool is one of 500 across the countries who were involved, helping to raise £1.8m for Marie Curie Cancer Care.