The Park Club's annual Swimstock event - a great success

It's estimated at least £20,000 has been raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care from Swimstock 2012.

A fantastic time was had by all, and even the sun shone brightly at the charity event held today (12th May) at West London's top family leisure and fitness centre - The Park Club.

Celebrities including Dominic West (The Wire),

author and presenter, Louis Theroux,

and former GMTV presenter, Penny Smith,

all gave their support to the fund-raiser and took part in a unique 'zorb' tea-party - enjoying tea and cake inside a huge plastic ball which was launched before an enthusiastic audience onto the swimming pool.

Penny Smith said :'' Swimstock is just a great day - it's what we Brits do best, have a bit of fun and raise lots of money for a good cause.''

Throughout the day there were adult and child master classes with swimming greats including Duncan Goodhew MBE, and Sharron Davies MBE.

Gold medalist, Rebecca Adlington, currently in training for the Olympics, sent a recorded message of support for Swimstock. She said she was sorry she couldn't be there but wished everyone a great day.

Another popular Olympic medalist, Steve Parry, presented awards to some delighted children.

He said: '' It's absolutely wonderful to be involved with this fantastic day and to see kids all swimming and outdoors, much better than stuck inside on computer games isn't it?''

Organiser, Tim  Slater, described the event with its mixture of family, fun, music and celebrities as 'eclectic'  and said: '' It's great, it takes a lot of organisation but is really worth it.''

Entertainment was supplied by some excellent musicians, the Suffolk soprano who is a favourite of Her Majesty The Queen and performs the Commonwealth's Diamond Jubilee song, "Stronger as One" Laura Wright.

Irish songster Cian Brennan Gavin and West London's own Max Touhy received a warm reception from a relaxed audience.

Sadly we had to leave before headline act The Feeling performed - but I can imagine they were a top finale to a really top day.

Annemarie Flanagan

May 12th 2012