SWIMMING enthusiasts of all abilities are being urged to sign up to take part in a weekend swimming challenge in aid of two charities.

Team GB swimming hero Mark Foster is supporting the nationwide Swimathon, which includes two venues in Taunton and one in Wellington at the end of this month.

People taking the dip in Taunton Pool and Blackbrook Leisure Centre, both in Taunton, and Wellington Sports Centre will be raising funds for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.

Foster, the former World, European and Commonwealth champion, who set eight world records during a glittering career, said: “Swimming is fantastic for your health and wellbeing as it helps you to keep fit.

"As you train, you build stamina and speed, and as it’s a low impact sport, the chances of injury are low while also good for recovery if you’re coming back from injury.

“I’m very proud to be supporting Swimathon 2019 and I hope everyone looking to set themselves a challenge signs up. Whether you’re just learning or are an experienced swimmer already, there’s a challenge for you."

Marie Curie’s Fundraiser for Somerset, Riona Houghton said: “Make waves at your local pool for Swimathon 2019.

"Join the biggest fundraising swim, and raise money while keeping fit. There are different challenges for all abilities and it’s easy to sign up online.”

There are a variety of distances available as individual challenges - 400m, 1.5k, 2.5k, 5k – while the 1.5k and 5k distances are also available as team challenges for family, friends or colleagues to take on.

New to 2019 is the Triple 5k challenge, which is specifically designed to test experienced swimmers, challenging them to swim 5k three times.

For more information and to sign up now visit Swimathon.org

VENUES:

Taunton Pool, Station Road: Friday, March 29, 7.30pm to 10.30pm; Saturday, March 30, 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

Blackbrook Leisure Centre: Saturday, March 30, 4 to 7pm; Sunday, March 31, 5pm to 8pm.

Wellington Sports Centre: Saturday, March 30, 4pm to 7pm; March 31, 2pm to 5pm.