Swimming for cancer-stricken children
WHEN it comes to saving lives, Pietermaritzburg lifesaver Higgins Thaver never lacks the drive to go the extra mile.
Determined to give hope to children with cancer, Thaver has committed to swimming four laps of the two-day aQuelle Midmar Mile, from February 11, to raise funds for frail youngsters.
The 37-year-old will swim the 1 600m course twice on both days.
Various donors, including family, friends, schools and businessmen, have pledged financial for Thaver’s effort.
He said he had already received almost R9 000 in pledges and expected to collect much more before the start of the race.
The money raised by the lifesaver will help the Rainbows and Smiles Foundation care for cancerstricken children.
“I try to help children in need. Now I’ve found a way to raise money while participating in a sport I enjoy,” said the lifeguard based at the Northdale Swimming Pool.
Thaver enjoys swimming and helping youngsters to be water-safe. However, in 2011 he started to compete in events, including the Golden Mile, swam at Albert Falls and took part in the Capital K, which was also held at Midmar Dam.
Two years ago, Thaver decided to add meaning to his Midmar Mile exertions by raising money for the “Pink Ladies Missing Children Organisation” with his swim.
But when he was approached by Nadia Lewis, a volunteer with Rainbows and Smiles who lost a young son to cancer, he checked out the organisation before giving them his commitment for this year’s event.
“I intended to swim just once and raise R2 000, but with the support I’ve received I decided to swim four laps.
“And I’m hoping to eventually raise more than R20 000.”
For more information on how to support Thaver’s swim, contact him at 074 601 6582.