Hi! My name is Annamaria des Fontaine. I swam Midmar Mile and other open water events through my competitive swimming carrier, but next year will be my first 8 Mile Swim Challenge. I am very fortunate to have this opportunity and to be part of the 8 Mile Club. 

Firstly I applied to challenge myself for my 40th birthday next year. I wanted to do something different, what I have never done in my life before and I also wanted to make a difference in someone`s life too.

 I feel very privileged to swim and raise money for CANSA to fight against cancer in South Africa. I also would like to honor and dedicate my swim to my mother, who diagnosed with cancer this June. Her strength and determination to fight against this terrible illness is a huge inspiration. I hope, with my swim I won`t only raise money to fight against cancer, but also to motivate and help people who are also ill.