Aquabatix join Eleanor Simmonds and Duncan Goodhew to launch the world’s biggest swim.

Double Paralympic gold medallist and BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2008, Eleanor Simmonds MBE, made a splash as she joined Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon President, Duncan Goodhew MBE and the Aquabatix synchronised swimming team, for the launch of Swimathon 2009, the world’s biggest fundraising swim.

Swimathon is set to add to its current fundraising total of over £30 million, as people throughout the UK start entering today to take part in the 2009 challenge. Over the next few months, thousands of swimmers will be limbering up to swim in over 500 pools nationwide between 16-19 April. Participants will raise vital funds to support the work of Marie Curie Cancer Care and The Swimathon Foundation.

The face of Swimathon 2009, Eleanor Simmonds MBE, who at Beijing 2008 became Britain's youngest ever individual gold medallist at an Olympic or Paralympic Games adds, ‘Swimming is something I really enjoy and I think anybody would if they set themselves a challenge. It is a great way to keep fit and have fun with your friends – taking part in Swimathon means you can do both. I can’t wait to take part.’

Swimathon 2009 is open to everyone, encouraging people to set their own personal challenge by accomplishing a distance of their choice. Swimmers can challenge themselves to the ultimate 5K challenge, 2.5K for the intermediate swimmer or 1.5K for those who swim occasionally. For those interested in joining forces with friends, colleagues or family, the 5K challenge can also be completed as part of a team of up to five people.

Register now: www.swimathon.org

Charities: www.mariecurie.org.uk & www.swimathonfoundation.org