A LONG distance swimmer is opening a charity pool event that aims to raise thousands for three good causes.

And once Beth French has got the 30th Taunton Soroptimist Swimathon underway, Beth French will dive in herself to join scores of other swimmers at the annual fundraiser.

Final arrangements are being made for the charity plunge at Taunton Preparatory School on Saturday and Sunday, February 17 and 18 - but there's still time for a few more teams to enter.

Ocean swimmer Beth, who will join a team representing Taunton Foodbank, and Taunton Deane Mayor Hazel Prior-Sankey will set the action in motion at 9am on the first day.

Somerset County Gazette:

Beth French.

Beth has fought back against adversity to record some incredible swimming achievements.

She suffered with the debilitating condition of ME from the age of ten and was a wheelchair user by the age of 17.

Since then she has studied around the world and spent time in a Thai Buddhist monastery before becoming the first woman to swim the notorious Kaiwi Channel of Bones in Hawai twice and the first person to swim from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly.

And last year she was named one of the World Open Water Swimming Association's top 50 adventurous female swimmers.

Entry in the Swimathon is £10 per team of up to six members, who swim in relay fashion for a total of 53 minutes.

Event co-ordinator Christine Briggs said: "We still have some slots available and would love to have some more teams to fill the two days right up.

"Last year we raised £16,668 and we would like to raise even more this year.

"It's great fun. You don't need to be a good swimmer, just able to swim 50 metres at a time in whatever stroke you like and as fast or slow as you like.

"Every swimmer gets a medal and there are lots of trophies to be won as well."

Charities being supported this year are St Margaret's Hospice, Taunton Foodbank and MIND Taunton and West Somerset."

To book your slot, call bookings officer Pauline Clarke on 01823-423187 or click here for more information and to download a form.