Swimmers are invited to make a splash for charity by taking part in the annual Swimathon Weekend at Stocksbridge Leisure Centre.

Participants taking the plunge to raise vital funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care’s 25^th Swimathon can choose from individual 2.5K, 5K or team 5K. And fundraisers  supporting the British Swimming and BBC’s Big Splash Mile for Sport Relief can take part individually or as part of a team to complete the challenges.

Tim Hicks, Stocksbridge Leisure Centre general manager, said: “We are thrilled to host two fantastic events during the Swimathon Weekend at Stocksbridge Leisure Centre. Whether participants raise money for Marie Curie Cancer care during the Swimathon or complete a mile for Sport Relief, we hope the events inspire everyone to take the plunge regularly throughout 2012.

“The Swimathon Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for swimmers of all ages and abilities to take part. It would be great to see families and work colleagues all joining forces to raise money for such worthwhile causes. Sheffield is going to be an exciting hub of activity this year thanks to the Olympic Games, so this event is the perfect opportunity for everyone to take part in a sporting activity at their local leisure centre.”

Fundraisers can also take part in the Swimathon Weekend at Sheffield International Venues-run leisure centres Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre and Concord Sports Centre.

Since the Swimathon began in 1986, 500,000 swimmers have raised £36 million for charity.

The Swimathon will take place at Stocksbridge Leisure Centre on Friday 27 April between 1pm and 3.45pm and on Sunday 29 April between 2pm and 4.45pm.

Participants can enter until 25 April 2012. For more information about how to take part in the Swimathon Weekend, session times, training tips or to sponsor a swimmer visit www.swimathon.org. To improve your swimming you can also take part in lessons at SIV run venues. Visit www.siv.com.