Gold-medal winning Paralympians are trying to inspire interest in the world’s largest annual fundraising swim which will take place across Manchester in April.
Hannah Russell (above left), Stephanie Slater and Alice Tai (above right) were at the Manchester Aquatics Centre this week encouraging people to take part in the April 7-9 Swimathon in 13 Manchester pools.
The trio all train at the Aquatics Centre and were on hand during the day to talk about the event and encourage people to sign up and help raise money for Marie Curie.
This year will be the 30th Swimathon and it is set to build on the success of previous years – which have seen a total of more than half a million swimmers take part with £46million raised since it began in 1986.
Tai won gold as part of the 4 point 4x100m medley relay team at the Rio Olympics last summer.
She said: “I would love to see everyone in the area taking the plunge and signing up for this year’s Swimathon knowing that with every length, you’ll be helping support such a wonderful charity like Marie Curie.”
Stephanie Slater was part of the same relay team as Alice in Rio and also took home a gold medal.
She added: “There is a range of distances you can take on or can join together with family or friends and create your own winning relay team.”
Russell, who won two gold medals in S12 50m freestyle and S12 100m Backstroke, echoed her Rio teammates.
“Swimming is an easy way to keep fit and by taking part in Swimathon, not only will it help your health and fitness but you can also raise money for Marie Curie. So make sure you sign-up today.”
Lynn Partridge, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser, called for more people to follow in the footsteps of the athletes and sign up for the event.
“We’ve got over 65 people signed up already to take part in Swimathon at the Manchester Aquatics Centre and we want to double that. With the support of Alice, Hannah and Stephanie we hope more people will be inspired to sign up.
“The money raised will help Marie Curie to provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families.”
Anyone interested in signing up for the event or supporting the participants can visit: www.swimathon.org
