Cape Times

In the swim for cancer kids

- STAFF WRITER

A PARAPLEGIC woman is eager to raise more money for Childhood Cancer Foundation of SA (CHOC) after her first year of representi­ng The Cows at last year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile.

Tracy Mckay, who won the ladies race in the physically disabled category, has swum the Mile a dozen times, with three as an able-bodied woman, before she picked up a degenerati­ve condition after cervical cancer treatment that led to her losing the use of her legs.

Without the use of her legs, swimming has become a sanctuary for the Durban resident, who looks forward to taking part in event every year.

“Swimming has become a massive part of my life. Especially open-water swimming because it is my freedom and I have that feeling of weightless­ness.

“I love the Midmar Mile and I also love open-ocean swimming. I swim in the Dolphin Mile events on the Durban beach,” Mckay said.

She completed the 2010 event and has done every race since. Last year, she finished fifth overall in the physically disabled category.

Once again, CHOC will be the central focus for Mckay at this year’s race, where she aims to raise as much money as possible for children suffering from cancer.

Last year, Mckay reached her target, raising R4 000, and has increased her target this year to R5 000 which she has already raised through online donations.

She will be raffling a hand-knitted cow at the Midmar Mile this weekend in further efforts for fund-raising.

Mckay has managed to continue to do as much as she possibly can despite her disability and while she will be chasing another category title at the Midmar Mile, she says she cannot get enough of the event and the camaraderi­e that it brings.

“There are always so many people there to cheer you on and it is a great gathering of people and for The Cows.

“It’s an incredible showing of unity and charity. I love seeing all the swimmers in the cow-print costumes and the happiness that an event like the Midmar Mile brings,” she said.

More informatio­n about The Cows can be found at www.thecows.co.za

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