Beccles Paralympian Jordan Catchpole is calling on people across the region to take the plunge and sign up for Swimathon 2023.
The swimmer won gold in the mixed 4×100m freestyle relay S14 at the last Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan.
He is urging people of all ages to abilities to make a splash too by taking part in the annual fundraiser that raises money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.
Swimathon is the UK’s largest annual fundraising swimming event.
It will be held in over 450 swimming pools from 12-14 May 2023, including Waterlane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft and Waveney Valley Leisure Centre in Bungay.
Mr Catchpole hopes as many people as possible will be inspired to get off the starting blocks and jump at the chance to help thousands of families across the UK.
He said: “When it comes to staying motivated you’ve just got to look at the main goal and for people doing Swimathon that might be representing loved ones.
"I’ve lost loved ones to cancer, so I think fundraising events like this are amazing. I hope swimmers across Suffolk and Norfolk will dive in and sign up because they could help make a big difference to the people that Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie support.”
Since launching in 1986, more than 750,000 swimmers have taken part, raising over £55 million for charitable causes.
The Swimathon Foundation also donates £2.50 from the entry fee of everybody taking part at an official Swimathon venue to help protect these pools for the future.
Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the east of England, Michael Jarvis, said: “It doesn’t matter if you’re not the fittest or the fastest, everyone who takes part in Swimathon is worthy of a medal.
"It’s such a fun and simple way to encourage people to get swimming, all whilst supporting causes that are close to the hearts of so many.
“One in two of us will get cancer, but all of us can support the research that will beat it.
"That’s why we’re urging swimmers to grab their caps and costumes, raise money and help us to keep making new discoveries and breakthroughs.
"Together, we will beat cancer.”
Sign up for Swimathon 2023 at: swimathon.org
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