FUNDRAISERS are being invited to take the plunge and sign up for their open water swim fundraiser.

THE League of Friends (LoF) to The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) are hoping swimming will dive straight in to their Mere Mile when it returns for the fourth consecutive year on Sunday, August 27 at the Mere in Ellesmere.

The event is being partnered by Swimfinity and sponsored by Shropshire Pools and Spas.

This year's event follows on from three extremely successful years which collectively raised more than £30,000 for the benefit of patients and staff at RJAH.

Participants can choose between two distances – one mile or 2.5 miles. Entry numbers for each category are limited, with space for 200 swimmers to undertake the mile swim and 150 for the 2.5 miles.

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Each participant will receive an event swim hat, goodie bag and finishers memento.

Victoria Sugden, charity director at LoF, said: “We have so enjoyed this event over the last few of years, bringing the community together for an outdoor event has had such a positive effect on us all while fundraising for our much-loved local hospital.

“With the Shropshire Triathlon taking place in Ellesmere the following week, this is the perfect challenge to take on in preparation.

“Whatever your reason for signing up, we look forward to welcoming everyone to a successful swim again this year.

“Huge thanks to our partners Swimfinity and our sponsors Shropshire Pools and Spas who have helped us build such a wonderful event – please do get your entries in soon.”

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James Bainbridge, of Swimfinity, said: “We’re extremely excited to help deliver the Mere Mile for a fourth year.

“The low entry costs make the Mere Mile accessible to all and knowing that the money raised supports an incredible local charity is a real motivator.

“We’re really proud to partner once again with the Friends to raise valuable and much needed funds to support their critical work.”

This year the event organisers are offering those who sign up between April and May a discounted early bird price.

To register to become a swimmer and secure the early bird price please visit the dedicated event page by May 31 at https://friendsrjah.enthuse.com/cf/mere-mile

In previous years a team of volunteers have dedicated their time to help with the running of the event; members of Borderlands and Ellesmere Rotary Clubs, safety boat crews, kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders who took to the water to ensure the swimmers are kept safe throughout.