Swimmers raised more than a thousand pounds for charity after taking part in the world’s biggest charity dip.

Up to 39 members of Harrow Leisure Centre and Hatch End Swimming Pool who part in the swimathon on the weekend of Friday 7 to Sunday April 9, have now reached a total of £1,500 for Marie Curie.

Everyone Active contract manager John Sewell said: “All the swimmers who took to the water were inspiring to watch. The support and atmosphere from the poolside spectators was fantastic.

“I would like to congratulate all the swimmers who trained so hard beforehand to complete their challenge. They should be very proud of their achievements and in raising an incredible amount of money for such a wonderful and important charity.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to all members of our local community who donated.”

For the past 30 years, more than 700,000 people have taken to the pool and swam 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k distances, individually or as part of team raising a total of over £46m for various charities.

In 2017, over 18,500 swimmers took part, and so far, a staggering total of £1.5m has been raised.