Abercorn School's swimming squad outside the pool and ready to go.

A team of keen young swimmers are limbering up for a sponsored swim next week ahead of a borough-wide event next month.

The swimming team at the independent Abercorn School in Abercorn Place, St John’s Wood, will splash out on Monday to raise money for their chosen charity Help A Capital Child (HACC), hoping to add to the £20,000 the school pupils, staff and parents have raised for it in the last two years.

The money raised so far has helped HACC fund short breaks for families affected by domestic violence via the Family Holiday Association, child befriending and mentoring schemes run Family Friends, and various theatre and arts projects across London.

Headteacher Andrea Greystoke said: “We wanted to be involved with a London-based, child-centred organisation with aims that the pupils would understand and relate to, across all ages.

“We have organised numerous events both large and small from Christmas fayres to greetings cards, from quiz nights to singing at Marylebone Station.

“HACC are excellent at supporting the school with informative assemblies, updates and bulletins relating to the projects undertaken with the donations.”

The sponsored swim comes ahead of next month’s Swimathon, the world’s biggest fundraising swim event. Last year 76 fundraisers in Westminster pools raised nearly £12,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The money allowed people with terminal illnesses the choice to be treated in their own homes by Marie Curie nurses.

Nearly 100 people have signed up for the 2013 challenge already, and with entries open until April 24, it is hoped the funds raised could top last year’s total.

The Marshall Street Leisure Centre, The Porchester Centre, Seymour Leisure Centre and Queen Mother Sports Centre will all be hosting Swimathon events between April 26 and 28.

Distance categories range from 1,500m (60 lengths in a 25m pool) up to 5,000m (200 lengths). Participants can enter as individuals or teams of up to five people.

For more information on how to enter, visit www.swimathon.org.