Olympian Duncan Goodhew joins more than 230 swimmers at Swimathon in Stradbroke

More than 230 swimmers went to great lengths to make a charity event in Stradbroke one of the most successful in the UK.

Stradbroke Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre ranked as the third best attended Swimathon in the country.

The event, which was in aid of Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie, was attended by the organisation’s president and Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew.

Len Phoenix, one of the organisers and swimming instructors at Stradbroke, said: “We had 233 swimmers this year, compared to 160 last year.

“Most of them were local people, of all ages and abilities – which is a real accolade for the centre.”

The event, now in its 31st year, saw swimmers completing sponsored distances from 400m to 5km.

“We also had the Limelight crew come along to film the events,” said Mr Phoenix. “They were really blown away by what we are doing at Stradbroke.

“We are top of the pile in every shape and form.

“Maria Smith and the rest of the team here really put in an unwavering effort.

“People have been really drawn into the ethos of the event and there has been a real energy behind it.”

The total amount of money raised will be revealed in the coming weeks.