Figures in this week confirm that Gosforth and Dunston Leisure Centres, which are managed by the UK's foremost leisure charitable social enterprise GLL, hosted 20 fundraising challenges for Swimathon 2026, raising a record £3,500.00 for charities.

This year, the world's biggest fundraising swim - which began 40 years ago - happened over the weekend of 20-22 March, with fundraisers' proceeds benefitting the world's largest charitable funder of cancer research, Cancer Research UK, and the UK's leading end of life charity, Marie Curie, as well as Swimathon Foundation.

Individuals swam a variety of distances - 500m, 1.5k, 2.5k, Swimathon 5k and Triple 5k distances - with teams choosing 1.5k, 2.5k and 5k challenges.

Alison Westworth, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Newcastle, said: "Huge congratulations to all our charity fundraisers in Swimathon's 40th year. The world's largest charitable funder of cancer research - Cancer Research UK - and the UK's leading end of life charity - Marie Curie - as well as Swimathon Foundation directly benefit from our fundraisers' efforts.

"Swimathon brought people back to the pool in their droves to rediscover their love of swimming."

Swimathon President Duncan Goodhew added: "Thanks to GLL and all our pool operator hosts for supporting their community swimmers young and old to raise much-needed funds for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie during Swimathon 2026.

"In our 40th anniversary year, Swimathon more than ever exemplifies the collective positive energy of the UK's swimming community and the benefits swimming brings."