SWIMMING legend Duncan Goodhew MBE is calling on people across Bromsgrove to take the plunge and sign up for Swimathon 2023.

The Swimathon president and former Olympian is making a splash to highlight the annual fundraiser which raises money for Cancer Research UK and the end-of-life charity Marie Curie.

He is urging people of all ages and abilities to enter the sponsored event taking place from 12 to 14 May at selected pools across the county, including Bromsgrove Sport and Leisure Centre in School Drive.

Duncan Goodhew, who won an Olympic Gold medal for the 100m breaststroke at the 1980 Moscow games, hopes to inspire people in Bromsgrove to get off the starting blocks.

He said: “I swim as often as I can and will never stop championing this sport.

"The positive impact that it has both physically and mentally is undeniable, so I’m passionate about Swimathon because it helps to show that swimming is a fun, accessible, and exhilarating form of exercise.”

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Worcestershire, Paula Young, said: “Swimathon is such a great way to encourage people to dip their toe in the water and get swimming.

"There’s no greater motivation for taking part than helping to support causes that are close to the hearts of so many.

“One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it."

People can participate individually or as part of a team and choose from a variety of distances from 400m to 30.9k.

Any swimmers who can’t make one of the organised sessions can sign up for MySwimathon, which takes place from April 28 to May 21 and choose a time and venue that suits them.

People can sign up by visiting swimathon.org