SWIMMERS are limbering up for the world's largest annual swimming fundraiser.
A beach group from Saltdean, Brighton, is urging people to join them by signing up for the Swimathon Festival 2021.
The festival raises money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie, which provides care and support for people living with any terminal illness.
Former Team GB swimmer Mark Foster is supporting the event, which will take place between September 10 and 12.
The event allows people to choose from different distances that they can swim, such as 400 metres up to a Triple 5km and a new 30.9km option.
People can also join in with their own personal challenge at a time and location that suits them.
The Saltdean swimmers are going to be taking on the personalised aspect of the challenge, which runs between September 3 and 19.
Ness Carter, who is planning on a 5km swim, said: "Our group gets together for a swim most days. We're all locals, and our numbers have grown over the years.
"Most of us have had family and friends affected by cancer, so for us, this is a simple task - especially as we can do it at a time and place that suits us.
"You don't need to be a super swimmer to take part in the Swimathon Festival as it offers a variety of distances for all ages and abilities.
"It is a fun and simple way to encourage people to get swimming while supporting two incredible charities.
"It really doesn't matter if you're not the fittest or the fastest. I hope swimmers young and old, new and experienced will dive in and help thousands of families across the UK."
Participating pools and venues in Sussex include:
East Sussex: King Alfred Leisure Centre, Hove, Hailsham Leisure Centre, Summerfields Leisure Centre, Hastings, Rye Sports Centre, Bexhill Leisure Centre, Uckfield Leisure Centre.
West Sussex: Splashpoint Leisure Centre, Worthing, The Triangle, Burgess Hill, Steyning Leisure Centre, The Dolphin, Haywards Heath, Billingshurst Leisure Centre, K2 Crawley, Arun Leisure Centre, Bognor, Wadurs Pool, Shoreham.
Swimathon has raised more than £55m for charities since it began in 1986.
This year will also see the Swimathon Foundation donate £2.50 from every entry fee to help protect Swimathon pools and venues for the future, following the impact of the pandemic.
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