SUPER swimmers in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge are being urged to don their swimming suits and caps for a charity fundraiser.

Marie Curie, a charity which supports people with terminal illnesses and their families, is hosting its annual swimathon to raise some much-needed funds.

The swimathon will take place on April 7 and 9, with Bridgwater’s Trinity Sports and Leisure Centre on Chilton Street hosting an event.

Swimmers can take on the 5k, 2.5k or 1.5k challenge to raise sponsorship which will be donated to Marie Curie, or take on the team challenges with friends.

Natalie Millbank, Marie Curie community fundraiser, is encouraging people in Bridgwater to head down to their local 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.”

Around 600 pools from across the country are taking part in the event, which raised thousands for the charity last year.

It is a landmark year for the event, which will be celebrating its 30th year.

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.

Mr Goodhew said: “There’s just one month 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.”

For more information about the Swimathon visit swimathon.org.