Picture: Poppyseed Bandits

A Lichfield leisure centre is inviting swimmers to get their goggles at the ready to take part in a nationwide challenge.

On April 27 and 28, Friary Grange will be one of 600 pools across the UK holding a Swimathon challenge.

The event encourages swimmers of all ages and abilities to get sponsored to swim in a variety of distances at their local pool to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care – a charity that provides care and support for terminally ill people at the end of their lives.

Councillor Val Richards said: “We hope lots of people sign up for this April’s Swimathon at Friary Grange Leisure Centre and that plenty of people sponsor the swimmers to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. Good luck to everyone taking part.”

This year’s swimming challenges includes the Individual 5k, Individual 2.5k and Individual 1.5k. Up to five people can join together to take on the Team 5k and Team 1.5k challenges. Individuals and teams can also choose to swim their own distance.

The Swimathon sessions in Lichfield will be from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on April 27, and 8.30am to noon the following day. To find out more and to register with Swimathon 2013 visit www.swimathon.org by April 24.