In my first few years of swimming at the dam, it was all about personal achievement. Doing things for the first time, improving my times, swimming with friends, achieving a swim no one thought I could I do after a surgery and cancer treatment. But in 2011 I challenged myself to my first 8 Mile event.

 

I thought that it would be about me achieving something for myself, but it was about so much more than that. The charities involved in the event, the people we go above and beyond to raise money for, that is what this event is all about. Personal accomplishments mean very little when you are surrounded by like minded people all trying to achieve the same goal... Raising funds for people who really need help... whether that be medical, educational, financial, environmental, it doesnt matter.

My chosen charity since 2013 has been CHOC. I love being a COW. I love being part of this HERD. This is a charity that is close to my heart. A charity I have not only supported for the last 12 years via fund raising, but have been into their facilities and seen the work they do first hand. It is not only the Children with Cancer who they help, but their families. It is not only physical support they give, but emotional. The staff are amazing. Literally the best in the world at what they do.

 

But they need our support to keep going. If you can help, please leave a donation. There is no amount too small, or too big, every rand helps. And should you wish to leave a message of support, either for myself, or for someone you know who has/is fighting this horrid disease, please feel free to do so.