Sign up now for Swimathon 2012 at Barry Leisure Centre

You can sign up now to take the plunge at Barry Leisure Centre and raise funds for Swimathon 2012.

Over the weekend of 27 - 29 April, Swimathon will hit 645 pools across the UK, and swimmers of all abilities are invited to accept the challenge of taking part in support of two fantastic charities - Marie Curie Cancer Care and Sport Relief.

Swimathon Weekend participants can raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care by swimming the 5k, 2.5k or Team 5k challenges, or for Sport Relief by swimming the ‘Big Splash Mile’, individually or as part of a team.

Model Jodie Kidd and London 2012 Ambassador Duncan Goodhew teamed up to launch the event last week by swimming the first two lengths at London’s Oasis Sports Centre. Jodie Kidd said: “With all the talk of being inspired to take up exercise in 2012, it’s events like this that give us all that goal to aim for. Whilst I can’t claim to be a fish in the water, diving into my local pool is something I definitely enjoy. And even more so now that I can take in my little boy with me.”

Jodie added: “Of course, Swimathon Weekend isn’t just about fitness and personal achievement. With the funds this year going to both Marie Curie Cancer Care and Sport Relief, all of that perspiration is even more worthwhile.”

Swimathon Weekend President Duncan Goodhew said: “We all know that sports such as swimming will enjoy their time in the limelight this year. 2012 also being our 25th Anniversary year, we’d love to add to the half a million people who have taken part in the event so far, to dive into pools up and down the country. These amazing people have raised more than £34 million for charity to date and, by teaming up with the Big Splash, we’re aiming to raise record amounts for not one but two important charities.”

Funds raised by taking on the Swimathon Distance Challenges for Marie Curie Cancer Care will provide free nursing care and support for people with terminal cancer and other illnesses. The charity expects to care for over 31,000 terminally ill patients in the community and in its hospices this year.

Money raised by the public for the Big Splash Mile for Sport Relief will be spent by Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives; both here at home in the UK, and across the world's poorest countries.

Be one of the first 10,000 people to sign up online for a Swimathon Weekend session before 31 January 2012, and you’ll enjoy half price entry. Swimmer entry is open at www.swimathon.org until 25 April 2012.

The Swimathon website also includes plenty of experts on hand to offer encouragement and advice, regardless of the challenge: World 10k Champion Keri-Anne Payne has designed tips and a training plan for those taking on the 5k, Duncan Goodhew the 2.5k, and Jodie Kidd for the Milers.

Find out more about Barry Leisure Centre and opportunities for swimming in the Vale of Glamorgan.