Swimmers in the Sheffield area are being reminder they only have days to take the plunge for charity at half price.
Registration for the Swimathon 2010 challenge was launched earlier this month and to boost numbers the registration fee has been slashed in half.
But the offer runs out on Sunday, January 31, so Katie Grinter, community fundraiser for South Yorkshire is urging people to sign up quick.
She said: “The charity receives more the £1.5 million to cover the cost of our nursing service to care for terminally ill cancer patients in their own homes from this event, so the more people who take part, the better.
“It usually costs £9.50 to register but until next Sunday - it is half. It is an opportunity that should not be missed.”
Sheffield International Venues (SIV) managed Ponds Forge, Hillsborough Leisure Centre and Westfield Sports Centre have all signed up to allow swimmers to complete the plunge.
Zöe Salmon and Duncan Goodhew were the first of 15,000 people to dive in the pool for Swimathon 2010 at the national launch.
Zöe said: “I’ve always found swimming a really good way to keep in shape. Everyone needs a challenge now and again, especially to keep motivated during the cold winter months. And what better additional spur than to help out Marie Curie Cancer Care - a charity that does such crucial work right around the UK? I can’t wait to take part.”
Duncan said: “Swimathon is incredibly exciting. It enables normal people to do extraordinary things. Everyone’s challenge is very much their own - but not only do their efforts benefit themselves, they benefit their country and the charities.”
Swimathon 2010 has a challenge to suit everyone with swimmers challenging themselves to complete up to 5K as an individual or as a team with their friends and family. To find out more about Swimathon or to sponsor a swimmer, go to: www.swimathon.org.
