The iconic swimmer, who lifted the 100m breaststroke gold in a thrilling finish at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, visited St Kentigern's Academy in Blackburn last Thursday to put pupils through their paces for a national Swimathon to help Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Mr Goodhew said: "It's just great to see children taking part in what is primarily an adult event and raising money for an amazing cause.

"As well as the secondary school kids here in Blackburn, we've also got two primaries taking part so that's a real bonus."

The school has more youngsters taking part in the world's biggest swimming fundraiser than any other group in the UK, with around 170 young swimmers, teachers and parents entering in a bid to help raise £1.5 million for the cancer charity.

Headteacher at St Kentigern's Stephen Campbell said: "I am very pleased that so many of our young people and staff are enthusiastically stepping up to support Marie Curie by taking part in this year's Swimathon event.

"That St Kentigern's has more young people registered for the event than any other school in Great Britain speaks volumes for their commitment to raising money for cancer care."

"Parents are also playing a big part in supporting these young people, not least by collecting sponsors for their sons and daughters.

"I am confident that we will break all previous records, both in terms of the total distance swam and the amount raised for this very important cause."

The charity is close to Mr Goodhew's heart as members of his family have fallen victim to the disease.

"Cancer touches all of us at some point in our life and I'm no different," he added. "My mother and my mother-in-law died of cancer and my mother-in-law died at home. She got help from Marie Curie in those final months of her life to make that the best and most dignified experience that could be."

Marie Curie Nurses provide free nursing care to cancer patients and those with other terminal illnesses in their own homes at no cost to the patient.

The charity's Laura Dunn said: "It's really exciting for us to see the children, not just fundraising, but having fun and exercising too."

Around 20,000 people are expected to take part in simultaneous events at more than 500 pools in Britain between 16 and 18 April.