Choc patients thank swimmers
Sonia Wahl
Two mothers from Union High school, Natalie Davenport and Kat Ott, undertook the huge challenge to complete the *Midmar 8 Mile Challenge in Howick, KwaZuluNatal. Davenport is on a mission to raise R50 000 for the Childhood Cancer Foundation (Choc) of South Africa by
2025. The challenge took place on 8 and 9 February and according to Davenport, the conditions in the water were pretty rough on both days. "The dam was like a sea, it rained, and the low temperatures were challenging. We pushed through, just knowing who we are swimming for," says Davenport.
In January they also hosted a swimathon at Union Preparatory School and the whole community was invited to participate and donate.
At this event they raised a whopping
R33 000 towards the cause. Davenport's dedication is deeply personal as she has witnessed her loved ones battling the unforgiving grip of cancer, and it is this emotional connection that fuels her commitment.
She believes that she can make a significant impact through her efforts. Davenport and
Ott also received notes form children suffering from cancer, thanking them for what they are doing.
* The Midmar 8 Mile Challenge is an annual fundraising effort for various charities that entails swimming eight events at the aQelle Midmar Mile in the Midmar Dam near Pietermaritzburg.
Sesethu Masimini and Aphelele Vesel, both residents of Graaff-Reinet, quickly registered for the parkrun, right before the event started on 10 January. These two also had the barcode needed to slot down your time of the run, installed on their phones.
A total of 66 runners participated in the parkrun and a total of seven brand-new registered runners joined in on the 5km scenic gravel road.
First five registered runners:
Joshua Basson - 22:51
Dave Neill - 23:10
Hernus Stols - 23:21
Alexandra Preston - 27:16 (first time) Timothy Raath - 27:30