AN IPSWICH man is hoping to make a big splash for charity by taking part in the world's largest swimming fundraiser.Adrian Cassidy, 39, from Ipswich, is planning to complete a 5000 metre swim as part of the Butlins Swimathon 2004, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

AN IPSWICH man is hoping to make a big splash for charity by taking part in the world's largest swimming fundraiser.

Adrian Cassidy, 39, from Ipswich, is planning to complete a 5000 metre swim as part of the Butlins Swimathon 2004, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Adrian decided to take part in the event after losing his mother to cancer a number of years ago.

He believes completing the Swimathon will be an opportunity to repay the doctors and nurses who cared for her.

Adrian's training for the fundraiser consists of swimming three times a week. He said: "All of us have been touched by cancer in some way.

"It's going to be a hard challenge, but I hope I can do it.

"I will be spurred on by knowing that the money I raise will help Macmillan Cancer Relief support people who are facing a far greater challenge of living with cancer."

The Swimathon will see 30,000 people take part in 500 pools across the country in March.

Adrian's swim will take place at 6.30pm on March 28 at Crown Pools in Ipswich.

Last year, £1.9 million was raised for the charity and the target for this year is set at a record £2.5 million.

Over a million people in the UK are currently living with cancer. The money raised by Adrian, and the thousands of others taking part will help to fund specialist Macmillan nurses and doctors, build treatments centres, and provide a range of cancer information both locally and nationally.