Duncan and splashing! 

Olympic Gold Medallist dives in at the Link Centre

 

Diving in: Duncan Goodhew with Swindon Mayor, Cllr Michael Barnes

Swindon has seen it's fair share of celebrities coming to the town, and today we saw Olympic Gold Medallist Duncan Goodhew – getting his kit off at the Link Centre!

But no ladies, it wasn't just for show – it was to celebrate the launch of a three-day Swimathon in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

This is the 22nd year of the Swimathon, and the subject is close to Duncan's heart, having lost both his mother and mother-in-law to the all too common disease.

 

And even our Mayor, Cllr. Michael Barnes, donned his swimming shorts in the name of charity.

Duncan said: “Everybody involved in the experience is fantastic. We raised £1.4 million last year and we're hoping it will be £1.8 million this year.

“I really want to see people diving in and getting involved, because the sad story is that most people know someone who has been affected by cancer.”

 

Dipping in for charity: Marie Curie care nurse Catherine Le Roy gets taken for a dunk with the swimmers

Marie Curie has over 2,000 nurses working in the UK, working in the community to help terminally ill cancer patients live at home in a peaceful environment.

Also swimming for charity was 26-year-old Chris Jones from Ash Brake, whose passion for all things aquatic has motivated him to train for the Olympic trials in April.

You never know, in a few months' time Chris could be really putting Swindon on the map...