Swimmers in Barnet can join a nationwide charity challenge that will help fund nurses caring for people with terminal cancer.

The Swimathon will be held in 600 pools across the UK, including Barnet Copthall and Finchley Lido between April 26 and 28.

Participants must swim either 5km, 2.5km or 1.5km in the individual section or take on the team challenge by swimming 5km or 1.5km between a group.

More than 70 per cent of the money raised by swimmers through entry fees and sponsorship will be donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care, a charity that provides nursing care for the terminally ill.

The remaining 30 per cent will go to event organisers the Swimathon Foundation.

Entries are now being taken for the event, which costs £11 for individual distances, or £6 for concessions, and £25 for team distances.

Anyone signing up before January 31 will be given a half price discount on their entry fee.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.swimathon.org.