SWIMMERS are being encouraged to jump on board to help raise cash for a charity.

The 30th annual Swimathon will take place this April and organisers are hoping to smash the fundraising records.

The world’s biggest annual fundraising swim will see participants complete challenges of between 1.5 kilometres and 5 kilometres both individually and as teams.

Marie Curie, the official charity of Swimathon 2017 delivers support to people living with a terminal illness and their families.

Olympic gold medalist Duncan Goodhew, who is president of Swimathon, said: “I am so proud of both Swimathon’s longevity and its legacy.

“This year, Swimathon again provides a fantastic opportunity to bring together swimmers of all ages and abilities to raise vital funds for Marie Curie to continue their work caring for and supporting people living with a terminal illness, and their families.”

Laura Wright, sporting soprano and official anthem singer for the England Rugby Team, has been named as an ambassador for this year’s Swimathon.

She said: “I want everyone taking part this year to support a friend or family member who is not in the best of health or at peak fitness and encourage them to also take part..

“I am so moved by the incredible work that Marie Curie carries out for people affected by terminal illness. We have all experienced the difficulty of losing a loved one or knowing we’re going to lose a loved one and Marie Curie is a real support system during this traumatic time.”

Since the launch of the annual event in 1988, nearly 700,000 participants have taken part and raised £46 million which has been distributed to 36 different charities.

This year’s Swimathon will run from Friday April 7 to Sunday April 9.

For more information or to sign up click here.