Please may I mention about this year's Marie Curie Swimathon event and about the amazing staff at Banstead Leisure Centre, who enabled this wonderful occasion to take place.

This morning I set off for the pool with a sense of trepidation, as had never swam 5km, until today!

The organisation of the participants was both efficient and professional. I was warmly welcomed by enthusiastically smiling staff and I felt a real buzz of positivity amongst all present.

My nerves started to settle, as a few of the other swimmers happened to be some of the lifeguards who work at the leisure centre. Their words of reassurance certainly helped toward my achieving something that I wasn't sure I was capable of.

There cannot be many better ways to start a weekend and I felt so pleased at the finish. The poolside music provided by the centre was backed up by some highly talented singing (again courtesy of the members of staff who were awesome). This only helped to keep me motivated toward the goal of completing the 200 lengths.

It was a privilege to have been part of this charity fundraising event. The spread of replenishment's (sandwiches, treats, juices, etc, etc) at the finish was enough to almost bring a tear to my eye. Banstead Leisure Centre, this is my thank you.

Martin Farrelly

Nork