Local charity Hammersmith & Fulham Action on Disability (HAFAD) will be holding a marathon swimathon next month.

The charity is looking for people who will swim any distance ranging from two lengths to five miles, with the aim of completing an entire marathon - 1,650 lengths of the swimming pool - in the space of 12 hours.

HAFAD has represented the rights of disabled people in the borough for 30 years and the swimathon is one of a number of ways that the charity is looking to raise money as it reacts to the national debt crisis.

The event will be taking place at Fulham Pools, Lillie Road, Fulham on Sunday, July 10, from 8am to 8pm.

James Coke, HAFAD fundraiser explained; "We aim to ensure that disabled people have the necessary support to take control of their environment and lifestyle with the information to make appropriate choices.

"HAFAD is currently coming up with various new schemes as we try to react positively to cuts in public expenditure as a result of the economic downturn. 98 per cent of our income comes from local government funding which in the present conditions is unsustainable. If we can get 50 swimmers all raising £200 that would mean that we have made £10,000 for the charity. We are also organising a six week swimming training course for people who are interested.”

Council Leader, Stephen Greenhalgh said: “Across the borough, well organised voluntary groups are grasping the nettle and realising that they can no longer rely on the council to fund them at previous levels in these difficult financial times. HAFAD deserve credit for to tapping into the wheel pound and raising funds in such an imaginative way.”

Just a few months ago, HAFAD launched a Loyalty Card scheme. The card is free of charge and is available to all of HAFAD's 5,000 clients including their carers and families.

James added: “Local retailers have been encouraged to join the scheme, and most have agreed to give discounts or incentives to cardholders. The retailers participating are displaying a HAFAD sticker in the window and all businesses who have signed up have agreed to make provisions for cardholders. The scheme is triple edged, raising awareness of accessibility in our community, bringing rewards to our members and bringing much valued business to our service providers in these troubled times."

To register for the swimathon contact James Coke on 020 7471 8515 or email james.coke@hafad.org.uk.

For further details on the loyalty card visit www.hafad.org.uk (opens new window).