SWIMMERS are being urged to take up the chairman of Craven District Council’s annual fundraising challenge before it is too late and get fit while raising money for charity.

The swimming challenge, which started at the beginning of January and runs until the end of March is based at Craven Leisure pool, and invites adults and children to swim a total of 32, 24, 12 or six miles over the next few weeks to achieve a platinum, gold, silver or bronze award.

This year Cllr Whitaker, whose great-nephews George and Henry Clark are taking part, is raising money for Take Heart, the charity of the Yorkshire Heart Centre

“I have first-hand experience of the work of Take Heart, and very much appreciate everything they do to support patients at the Yorkshire Heart Centre.,” he said.

“I’m delighted that my great-nephews have decided to lead the way and rise to the challenge. This swim challenge gives everyone the opportunity to get fit and healthy while raising money for a great cause.”

Entry and sponsorship forms can be obtained from Craven Leisure, Aireville Park.

Take Heart was founded in 1989 and since then has raised nearly £4 million to fund both major and minor projects.

The charity is committed to giving care and comfort to patients and their families at the Yorkshire Heart Centre at Leeds General Infirmary and St James Hospital and its units within the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The charity endeavours to ensure that patients and their families enjoy the very best of comfort within the Yorkshire Heart Centre at what can be a very stressful time.

It is run entirely on a voluntary basis, which means the vast majority of funds go directly to the projects for which they are intended.

Sponsorship monies for the chairman’s swim can be paid directly to the chairman’s charity account by calling customer services on 01756 700600 – either by the swimmer or individual sponsors, or to a Virgin Giving page : uk.virginmoneygiving.com/chairmanscharity