PARALYMPIC swimming gold medallist Bethany Firth wants people in Petersfield, Alton and Bordon to sign up for Swimathon 2020.

This annual national sponsored swim raises money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie and will be held locally at the Taro Leisure Centre, Alton Sports Centre and Mill Chase Leisure Centre from March 27 to 29.

Bethany is aiming to add to her four Paralympic gold medals – one from London 2012 and three from Rio 2016 – at the Tokyo Paralympics in August.

She was inspired to support Swimathon by her mother Lindsey Firth, who is recovering from thyroid cancer.

Bethany said: “It was a terrible shock when mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.

“She has been such a source of strength and support for me throughout my life and career.

“It was a very difficult time but thankfully her treatment was successful and I’m so grateful she’s getting back to full health.

“My mum’s experience means our family understand all too clearly why events such as Swimathon are so vital to support the work of charities like Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.”

Swimathon offers a variety of distances to cater for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

There are individual categories of 400m, 1.5km, 2.5km, 5km and 15km, plus team 1.5km and 5km challenges.

Bethany said: “Swimathon is such a fun and simple way to encourage people to dip their toe in the water and get swimming – all while supporting two incredible charities.

“It really doesn’t matter if you’re not the fittest or the fastest. I hope swimmers young and old, new and experienced will dive in and help thousands of families affected by cancer.

"The dedicated fundraisers who support these important causes are the real heroes.”

People who cannot attend one of the organised sessions can sign up to MySwimathon and choose a time and venue that suits them between March 20 and April 5.

Swimathon has raised more than £52million for charity since it began in 1986. Organisers hope that this year more than £2.2m will be raised for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie. To sign up, visit swimathon.org

Cancer Research UK’s Hampshire spokesperson Jenny Makin said: “Whether you’re a champion swimmer or prefer to stick to the shallow end, there’s a Swimathon challenge for all.”