THERE is still time to sign up for the  Swimathon 2017.

People in Taunton are being encouraged to sign-up for the world’s biggest annual fundraising swim and raise funds for Marie Curie, the UK’s leading charity for people living with a terminal illness and their families.

Swimathon 2017 will take place at over 600 pools across the UK next month, from April 7-9 and are being asked to join the momentous occasion and sign up to be part of Swimathon’s 30th year.

Swimmers at Taunton Pool are getting ready for a last training and fundraising push before their big day.

Swimmers can challenge themselves to the 5k, 2.5k or 1.5k Individual or Team 5k or 1.5k distances and raise funds for Marie Curie.

Marie Curie community fundraiser, Natalie Millbank, is encouraging people in Taunton to head down to the pool. She said: “So far thousands of swimmers have signed up to take part in what I’m sure will be a brilliant event. It’s not too late to sign up for this year’s Swimathon, raise vital funds for Marie Curie and take on the challenge to make this year the best Swimathon yet.”

Olympic gold medalist Duncan Goodhew and the 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.

Swimathon President and Olympic gold-medallist, Duncan Goodhew, said: “There’s still time 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, sporting soprano and official anthem singer for the England Rugby Team, added: “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. Last year, Marie Curie cared for and supported over 50,000 people affected by terminal illness across the UK.

If you have questions about terminal illness, need support or just want to talk, call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.

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