DARWEN Leisure Centre is hosting an Aquathon — a combined swimming and running event — on Sunday, May 18.

The event has been designed to help give people the experience and confidence to enter future events such as 5ks, 10ks, biathlons, triathlons, etc.

The swim is a 500m (20 lengths) event at the centre, which will start at 9am and continue in separate waves, followed by a 5k run from the Sunnyhurst Hotel pub in Darwen at noon.

People can take part in teams and centre manager Kelvin Sole will make up pairs from any individuals who want to take part in just one of the challenges.

Entry fees are being donated to local man Alan Hedges’ fundraising efforts for Motor Neurone Disease.

To find out more about Alan’s charity work, visit www.justgiving.com/Alan Hedgesfightback.

And for more information on the event or to book your place, email Kelvin at kelvin.sole@blackburn.gov.uk or call on 01254 874900.