Swimmers will take the plunge at Great Dunmow Leisure Centre next month as they take on the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon.

From March 21-23, the swimathon - the UK’s biggest fundraising swimming event - will take place in over 600 pools across the UK. Entrants can choose from 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k individual distances.

Those who prefer a team challenge could also form a relay squad to tackle the 1.5k and 5k distances.

Alternatively, if you are unable to take part in one of the 600 Swimathon pools, try SimplySwim, which lets you choose your distance and complete your challenge at any pool.

To really make the swimming challenge count, don’t forget to get sponsored. The money you raise will go to Sport Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives both here in the UK and around the world.

Phil Wallis, contract manager at Great Dunmow Leisure Centre, said: “The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon is a fantastic way to bring our community together, while providing ample opportunity to get fit and healthy in the pool.

“Great Dunmow residents can take the plunge themselves, along with family and friends to complete a swimming challenge of their choice, be it 200m or 5k, all while raising funds for those in need.”

To help guide swimmers while training for their chosen distance, Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon president, Duncan Goodhew, is on hand to offer his expert advice and encouragement to swimmers of all levels. 2012 Paralympian and four time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds is also backing the event and encouraging the nation to take a dip.

Simmonds said: “I’m really keen on making swimming accessible for everyone and there is a challenge to suit all levels of expertise at the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon.

“I’d encourage people to take the plunge and make every length count by being sponsored to take on a challenge and do their bit for Sport Relief!”

And Goodhew added: “Swimmers of all ages and abilities can take on a challenge in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon. Whether it’s a length of their local swimming pool or the Team 5k – every length counts.

“With 600 pools taking part this year, there is even more opportunity to train early for your challenge, while raising much needed cash for Sport Relief.”

Enter the swimathon at swimathon.org