A NATIONAL Swimathon has raised more than £1 million for Marie Curie and Cancer Research UK with help from Runcorn and Widnes residents.

Swimmers of all ages and abilities entered Swimathon in pools across the region, including Kingsway Leisure Centre, Runcorn Swimming Pool and Brookvale Leisure Centre.

More than 21,000 people took to the water to complete individual challenges and raised a total of £1.8 million.

Mark Winton, head of community fundraising at Marie Curie, said: "I’d like to say a massive thank you to all of the 21,000 swimmers who went to great lengths during this year’s Swimathon.

"We’re absolutely delighted that £1.8m has been raised so far, which will help Marie Curie to provide care and support to more people living with any terminal illness and their families."

Emma Hyatt, head of events and sports at Cancer Research UK, said: "It is a privilege for Cancer Research UK to partner with such a special event and we are amazed by all the hard work that has gone in to fundraising the £1.8m so far, which will help to fund lifesaving research and help bring forward the day when all cancers can be cured.”

For more information and to register your interest for Swimathon 2020 now, click here.