the plunge for crash victim Mark Lightbourn.

This Friday's 24-hour "Swimathon'' has been organised by the Harbour Swim Club.

The cash will go towards 17-year-old Mr. Lightbourn's medical expenses.

Mr. Lightbourn, who swam for the Bermuda National Team, suffered terrible back injuries in a motorcycle smash just after Easter.

He has needed extensive neurological surgery abroad.

His parents have been closely associated with Harbour Swim Club, for whom Mark swam more than eight years.

Both Mr. Jim Lightbourn and his wife Pat regularly officiated at meets. At 13, Mark completed the Trunk Island Swim and later took part in three team triathalons.

And as a National Squad member he went to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada to represent Bermuda.

"The Swimathon is open to just about anyone who likes to swim,'' said Mrs.

Dawna Ferguson, organiser and Mark's former coach.

Other swimming clubs such as the Sharks and Triangles will also be represented.

The event at BASA Pool, Saltus, starts at 6 p.m., finishing at the same time the next day.

Anyone wishing to take part or make a pledge may sign up at Saltus, Sportseller, or at SGK/Urban Design on the upper floor of Belair on the corner of Parliament and Victoria Streets.