SWIMMERS in Malvern and Worcester are being urged to put on their costumes and take part in the world's biggest fundraising swim event.

The Splash in Malvern's Priory Road and Perdiswell Leisure Centre in Worcester are among over 600 pools across the UK taking part in Swimathon 2017 to raise funds for cancer charity Marie Curie.

Olympic gold medalist Duncan Goodhew and sporting soprano Laura Wright are heading up this year’s campaign, and are calling on people of all ages to set themselves the challenge and take to the water on April 7-9.

Duncan Goodhew said: “There’s just one month to go until Swimathon and swimmers can still sign up today. It will be a really special event being the 30th Swimathon and I look forward to seeing swimmers of all ages and abilities coming together to raise vital funds for Marie Curie to continue their work caring for people living with any terminal illness, and their families.”

Laura Wright said: “Being an ambassador for this year’s Swimathon means it is an event which I’m really looking forward to. One of the reasons I wanted to support Swimathon and Marie Curie is to show the impact taking part can have, not only on your health, but also in helping raise money and awareness for Marie Curie to care for people living with a terminal illness and their families. With this being the 30th Swimathon it would be fantastic to make this the biggest year yet, so get your friends and family involved and sign up for a challenge today.”

Marie Curie helps people living with a terminal illness and their families make the most of the time they have together by delivering expert hands-on care, emotional support, research and guidance.

For further information about Swimathon, including how to sign up, visit Swimathon.org.