A new website called longer lives http://longerlives.phe.org.uk/ says that life expectancy in “deprived” parts of York is one of the lowest in the country when compared to similar areas.

York has the highest overall death rate at 252 (per 100,000 population) when compared to the best Dorset (207) in its peer group.

The City is highest for death from cancer & lung disease.

Residents are advised on the web site how to improve their chances of avoiding these conditions with smoking and poor diet high risk factors.

Residents in York are being invited to dive into the world’s biggest fundraising swim this April and take on the Swimathon challenge to raise money for cancer charities.

The event in York is being held at Yearsley and Energise Pools, where local swimmers can join thousands of others across the country donning their swimwear in an effort to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Duncan Goodhew, Swimathon President, said: “It’s going to be a busy few months coaching, and taking part in the Swimathon Squad 5k team challenge. The Squad provides a fantastic opportunity to bring together swimmers of all abilities and demonstrate to the thousands of people taking part in Swimathon every year that anyone can achieve their goal regardless of their ability, while raising funds for Marie Cure Cancer Care as they smash their target.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care gives people with terminal illnesses the choice to die at home. Funds raised by taking on Swimathon 2013 will help Marie Curie nurses provide them and their families with free hands-on care and emotional support, in their own homes, right until the end.

To sign up click here entries are open until 24 April 2013. Please note that the events will result in temporary pool closures.