AS Team Captain for this year's Great British Swim in October, I appeal to all your readers to take the plunge and join this unique swimming event to raise money for the National Asthma Campaign.

Swimming is one of the best all-round forms of exercise -- building stamina, strength and mobility -- and anyone can do it!

You don't have to be an Olympic swimmer to participate.

This year's goal is to reach the team target of £240,000

Call Great British Swim organiser Clare Green on 020 7704 5861 for details.

Karen Pickering MBE

Commonwealth, European and World Championship medallist