Olympic Champion and RMCH help launch the Great Manchester Swim

Olympic open-water swimmer Keri-anne Payne was joined by charity swimmers for the launch of the Great Manchester Swim.

The event, which regularly attracts over 2000 participants, is returning to Media City UK at Salford Quays on Saturday 2 July.

Keri-anne, a two time open water world champion, who also won silver at the Beijing Olympics, and just missed out on a medal in London, is now hoping to qualify for Rio 2016.

She met four swimmers planning to take on the one-mile urban swim, to give them her top tips for making the most of their challenge in July.

Keri-anne said, “ It’s fantastic to be here in MediaCityUK to launch the Great Manchester Swim, I’ve taken part in many Great Swim events over the years and they’re always a brilliant experience. It’s been a pleasure to meet these inspirational swimmers and give them some tips that will hopefully help them make the most of their Great Swim.

“I hope we can encourage even more people in the North West to get involved this year, so whether you’re looking to get fit, complete a personal challenge, or to raise some money for a cause close to your heart, sign up today.”

Helen Critchlow a 38-year-old mum from Rochdale is raising money for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, she wants to thank the rheumatology department who treated her daughter following her diagnosis of Juvenile Arthritis.

“I'm really looking forward to taking part in the Great Manchester Swim to support the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity. For me it's all about giving something back to the place that has helped our little girl so much. Our daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis nearly 5 years ago.

"Since then the treatment she has received has been second to none, not just from the Rheumatology Department but from every department she has come into contact with. It's not just the children they look after but the parents too. I've been training in a pool & not had the chance to swim in the docks yet so getting some tips off Keri-anne today was brilliant!"

The Great Manchester Swim is a brilliant way to experience the vibrant Salford Quays, the course begins in Dock 9 near The Lowry and MediaCityUK, traverses Mariners Canal and finishes one mile away at Dock 8 beside Helly Hansen Watersports Centre.

The event is suitable for swimmers of all ages and abilities, to join #TeamHumphrey click here