Local swimmers took the plunge at the weekend to raise funds for charity. The swimmers took to the water at Milford Haven Leisure Centre for Swimathon 2008 - the world's largest swimming fund-raising event. Thousands of swimmers at over 500 pools across the UK took part in this year's event, which raised funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Swimathon Foundation. The youngest competitor at Milford was six year- old Miles Thomas from Burton. He completed 34 lengths on the day, along with his sister Hollie who swam 166 lengths. Although it was the first time they had entered the Swimathon, the youngsters raised over £300 in sponsorship. Tracy Parks, duty officer from Milford Haven Leisure Centre, said they were delighted that so many local people had donned their costumes and goggles to swim for charity. "Swimathon was a great event for us, and brought out a fantastic community spirit at the pool," she said. "Many of the spectators, who came to support friends and family, said they would like to join in next year, so we're looking forward to an even bigger turnout for the Swimathon weekend April 16-19, 2009." Duncan Goodhew, Olympic gold medalist and president of Swimathon, thanked all those who had taken part. "The event was a great success," he said. "Thanks to the superb efforts of all the swimmers, we are hoping to raise a whopping £1.8 million - 70 per cent of which will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care so that they can continue to provide high quality nursing, totally free, to give terminally ill people the choice of dying at home supported by their families." Other swimmers taking part in this year's Swimathon at Milford were: Colin Johns, Catrin Johns, John Barrack, Pete Cooper, Rachel Jones, Alex Wyatt, Sarah Spankie, Miles Thomas, Hollie Thomas, Siân Leaf, Dylan Leaf, Lesley High, Rachel Ashton, Kristin Jordan, Kayla Hunt, Elinor Roberts, James De Souza, Philip Horn, Dayle Gibby, Billy Berrigan, Calum McDonald and Colin Foreman.
