Marie Curie Cancer Care is urging swimmers in Wiltshire to sign up for a new challenge and take part in the world’s biggest fundraising swim.

The event will be held at over 600 pools across the United Kingdom from April 26-28, with thousands of swimmers challenging themselves with 5k, 2.5k and 1.5k individual challenges or team 5k and 1.5k challenges.

Lucy Stockall, Community Fundraiser for Wiltshire, said: “Every year people across Swindon take on a Swimathon challenge and have a great time raising funds along the way.

“Entrants can even choose to take part individually or as part of a team. This year we hope even more people from Wiltshire will take the plunge and raise funds to help Marie Curie Nurses provide more free nursing care to terminally ill people in their own homes.”

TV presenter Tim Lovejoy and Swimathon President and Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew launched the event last week with the unveiling of their Swimathon Squad.

Tim Lovejoy said: “Being part of the Swimathon Squad is a fantastic opportunity to brush up on my swimming skills, while raising awareness of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“Like many people, my family has been affected by cancer, so I know just how important the Marie Curie Nursing service is to people at the end of their lives and their families.

Marie Curie Cancer Care, which has been the official charity partner of the Swimathon since 2007, gives people with all terminal illnesses the choice to die at home.

Funds raised by taking on Swimathon 2013 will help Marie Curie nurses provide them and their families with free hands-on care and emotional support, in their own homes, right until the end.

Entries are open at www.swimathon.org until April 24.