OLYMPIC gold medalist Duncan Goodhew visited the Marie Curie Hospice, West Midlands ahead of the launch of Swimathon 2017 – the world’s biggest annual fundraising swim which help raise vital funds for the charity.
Duncan spent the afternoon at the hospice speaking with staff, volunteers and patients about this year’s Swimathon event and also brought along his gold medal from the 1980 Olympics and his 2012 Olympic torch.
The event will take place across the weekend of April 7 to 9 with numerous pools across the Midlands getting involved.
And this year is extra special as Swimathon will be celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Swimathon began in 1986 as a pilot programme for swimmers in London only.
Since the launch of the annual event in 1988, nearly 700,000 participants have taken part and raised £46 million which has been distributed to 36 different charities.
Swimmers can challenge themselves to the 5k, 2.5k or 1.5k Individual or Team 5k or 1.5k distances and raise funds for Marie Curie.
Speaking about his visit to the hospice, Duncan said: “I had a really inspiring afternoon at the hospice and spoke to so many great people.
“It was really motivating seeing first hand, how money raised from Swimathon can help provide care and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families.”
Andrew Pearson, Registered Nurse at the hospice, added: “It really was a brilliant day and everyone was extremely looking forward to Duncan arriving when we told them the news.
“It was a great a pleasure to have him visit the hospice and he spent lots of time with the staff, volunteers and patients who all found it amazing to get to see a genuine Olympic gold medal.
“One of the nurses even went up and thanked Duncan for spending time with one of her patients who had said how much of an honour it had been to meet him. I know certainly myself and everyone at the hospice will be encouraging people to sign up and take part in this year’s Swimathon.”
For further information about Swimathon including how to sign up and to find your nearest pool visit: www.Swimathon.org.
Anyone with questions about terminal illness, who needs support or just wants to talk, can call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309. It’s for anyone affected by terminal illness, including family and friends.
