A Suffolk village is celebrating the success of its charity swimming challenge after organisers said it signed up more participants than all but two pools in the entire country.

%image(15389581, type="article-full", alt="Suffolk's sporting soprano Laura Wright said this year's Swimathon was an "amazing experience". Picture: MARIE CURIE")

Stradbroke Swim and Fitness Centre is reported to have achieved the third most successful Swimathon out of 612 pools in the UK.

Some 155 swimmers took part in this year’s 30th anniversary event, raising funds for Marie Curie to help people with terminal illness.

Len Phoenix, who helped organise the sessions and completed his 29th Swimathon, said: “We will raise a lot of money.

%image(15251610, type="article-full", alt="Stradbroke Swim and Fitness Centre have the third most participants for their Swimathon events of all nationwide events - including many far bigger swimming pools. Picture: GREGG BROWN")

“Swimathon headquarters in London acknowledge that Stradbroke is regularly one of their most outstanding pools.”

Suffolk’s sporting soprano Laura Wright, who attended Framlingham College, is a Swimathon ambassador and completed her challenge with her mother Caroline, brother Liam and fiancé Harry at the London Aquatics Centre.

“My family and I had such a fantastic day and it was such an amazing experience,” she said.

%image(15389582, type="article-full", alt="Stradbroke Swim and Fitness Centre have the third most participants for their Swimathon events. Picture: GREGG BROWN")

“Spending the afternoon with people of all ages doing their best to achieve their challenge was very special.

“I want to say a huge well done to every single person who took part up and down the country.”

In Stradbroke, Mr Phoenix, who has won more than 1,000 competitive swimming medals, including 10 golds at an international masters meet in Guernsey earlier this month, said there were some “incredible performances”.

%image(15251612, type="article-full", alt="Swimmers at Stradbroke Swim and Fitness Centre. Picture: GREGG BROWN")

Joe and Sarah Osborne revisited their childhood village to take part, with Mr Osborne completing 5,000m in 1hr 6mins – the centre’s fastest time.

One of the youngest participants was four-year-old Matthew Whatling who joined his parents in a team swim to clock up 21 lengths and a standing ovation from the crowds.

Mr Phoneix said the centre’s 14 swimming teams engaged in some “fierce competition” to entertain crowds.

%image(15389584, type="article-full", alt="Suffolk's sporting soprano Laura Wright said this year's Swimathon was an "amazing experience". Picture: MARIE CURIE")

Many of the swimmers have been regular participants, with Sue Thornett completing her 18th Swimathon and organiser Maria Smith her 21st.

“The event would not have happened without Maria’s input, and loudly acknowledged by all,” Mr Phoenix said.

“Stradboke Swim and Fitness Centre has proved yet again it is a very fit place to be.”

Visit here to sponsor Laura.

Visit here to find out more about Marie Curie or call the support line on 0800 090 2309.