Fitness fanatics who took part in the UK’s biggest charity swim helped raise over £7k for a national cancer charity.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans Westminster Lodge swimathonSt Albans Westminster Lodge swimathon (Image: Archant)

This year 88 swimmers from the district swam distances of 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k, individually or in a team, at Marie Curie Cancer Care’s swimathon at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre in St Albans.

Although the event took place between Friday, April 17 and Sunday, April 19, the final figures have just been tallied.

Centre manager Lesley Garner said: “This was an incredible feat from swimmers who took to the water.

““There was a great atmosphere with plenty of supporters cheering the swimmers from the poolside.

I would like to congratulate all the swimmers who trained so hard to complete their challenge.

“They should be very proud of their achievements and I’m delighted that the St Albans swimming community raised so much money for such an important charity.”

Cllr Annie Brewster, the district council’s portfolio holder for sports, leisure and heritage, congratulated all those who took part.

She said: “The charity provides care and support to more than 40,000 people with a terminal illness, either out in the community or at one of the Marie Curie hospices.”