A MAN who relishes a challenge has completed a 26-mile swimathon. For the third year running Simon Platt, 29, of Chertsey Rise, Stevenage, has taken part in Swimathon 2008, the world s largest swimming fundraising event, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care

A MAN who relishes a challenge has completed a 26-mile swimathon.

For the third year running Simon Platt, 29, of Chertsey Rise, Stevenage, has taken part in Swimathon 2008, the world's largest swimming fundraising event, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and The Swimathon Foundation.

However, this year he took things to the extreme and swam eight separate five kilometre challenges over four days at pools in Stevenage, Hitchin, Hemel Hempstead and Borehamwood.

In preparation, he swam around 12 miles a week for three months before the event.

Simon, a business analyst, started swimming regularly three years ago. He said: "Swimming comes naturally - I'm a strong swimmer who likes a challenge. I wanted to push myself and because I was seeking sponsorship I wanted to do something different.

"As well as being a massive personal achievement for me, taking up the Swimathon challenge was a brilliant opportunity to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, a cause which has always been close to my heart, while keeping fit.

"Next year I may even consider swimming the Channel!"

To sponsor Simon, visit www.justgiving. com/simonplatt08

l Swimathon takes place annually at over 500 pools throughout the UK and is open to anyone who wants to swim their own personal challenge by accomplishing a distance of their choice.

Next year's event will take place from April 16 to 19.