Harrow (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Harrow swimmers are urged to join Swimathon 2025, the world’s biggest fundraising swim, supporting Cancer Research UK, Marie Curie, and the Swimathon Foundation.
This year’s event is scheduled for March 28–30, and participating venues include Hatch End Swimming Pool and Harrow Leisure Centre.
Swimmers of various skill levels can participate in a team relay of 1.5k or 5k, or sign up for a variety of challenges, ranging from 400m to the Triple 5k.
Those who are unable to attend a scheduled session can register for MySwimathon, which enables swimmers to finish their swim whenever they choose between March 21 and April 6.
Olympic gold winner and Swimathon President Duncan Goodhew MBE is urging London residents to participate.
He said:
“Every year at Swimathon I meet incredible people with incredible stories; those who are swimming for the first time, those that are swimming in memory of a loved one, those that are swimming unimaginable distances, those that are recovering from cancer, or those that are facing a terminal illness – and I know this year will be no different.
Everyone has their own story and everyone can set their own Swimathon challenge. You just have to be you; whatever your ability, whatever your age, whatever your drive. To me, everyone is a Swimathon star!”
Over 750,000 people have participated in Swimathon since its inception in 1986, raising over £55 million for charitable causes.
Lynn Daly, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for London, said that the Swimathon is a great way to encourage people to dip their toe in the water and get swimming.
It really doesn’t matter if you’re not the fittest or the fastest, because there’s no greater motivation for taking part than helping to support causes that are close to the hearts of so many.
She added:
“Nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but, through challenges like Swimathon, all of us can help beat it.
That’s why we’re urging swimmers to grab their caps and costumes, raise money and help our scientists to keep making new discoveries and breakthroughs. Together, we are beating cancer.”
Swimathon 2025 will be held in a number of pools, including Hatch End Swimming Pool and Harrow Leisure Centre.
Additional opportunities for people who wish to participate are provided by nearby pools in Barnet, Hillingdon, Wembley, and Finchley.
Hannah Grant, National Events Manager for Marie Curie, added:
“Swimathon is a fun and family-friendly way for people to take on a new challenge and raise money for a good cause. Every five minutes, someone in the UK dies without the care they need.”
She said that no matter what your ability, just by heading down to your local pool this March anyone can raise money to help Marie Curie continue to bring expert palliative and end of life care to more people, whatever their illness.
She added that Harrow residents can register now and find out more at swimathon.org.
What are the benefits of participating in Swimathon 2025?
Swimathon contributes to life-changing research and care services by supporting important organizations like Marie Curie and Cancer Research UK.
By encouraging camaraderie among participants, group events help to strengthen social links within local communities.
More people participate in swimming as a sport or leisure activity as a result of the event, which may result in better lifestyles.
Swimathon is accessible to swimmers of all skill levels because it covers a range of distances (from 400m to Triple 5k).
If they would rather participate independently or are unable to attend scheduled sessions, participants can select flexible solutions such as MySwimathon.
