SWIMMING legend Duncan Goodhew MBE is calling on people in Ledbury to take the plunge and sign up for Swimathon 2023.

The Swimathon president and former Olympian is making a splash to highlight the annual fundraiser, which raises money for Cancer Research UK and end-of-life charity Marie Curie.

People of all ages and abilities can enter the sponsored event, which is taking place from May 12-14 at pools including Ledbury Swimming Pool in Lawnside Road.

With a variety of distances to choose from - from 400m up to 30.9k - Swimathon offers a challenge for swimmers young and old, new and experienced. People can participate individually or as part of a team.

READ MORE: Leisure centre boss backs calls for more government support

Any swimmers who can’t make one of the organised sessions can sign up to MySwimathon, which takes place from April 28 to May 21, and choose a time and venue that suits them.

With rising energy costs putting some community pools at risk of closure, it has been another challenging year for swimming.

Not only does the event support charities, £2.50 from the entry fee of everybody taking part at an official Swimathon venue is donated to help protect these pools for the future.

'Get swimming!'

Goodhew, who won an Olympic Gold medal for the 100m breaststroke at the 1980 Moscow games, said: “I swim as often as I can and will never stop championing this sport.

“The positive impact that it has both physically and mentally is undeniable, so I’m passionate about Swimathon because it helps to show that swimming is a fun, accessible, and exhilarating form of exercise.”

Paula Young, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Herefordshire, said: “Swimathon is such a great way to encourage people to dip their toe in the water and get swimming.

“There’s no greater motivation for taking part than helping to support causes that are close to the hearts of so many.

“One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it.”

The manager of Malvern Active has spoken out this week about the financial challenges facing leisure centres, backing national calls for the government to offer more support.