Rangitoto to St Heliers ocean swim

On 26 November I will be jumping off the jetty on Rangitoto Island and swimming across to St Heliers as part of the Banana Boat Ocean Swim Series. At 4.6km, this will be by far the furthest I’ve swum in open water before so I’m taking the opportunity to raise funds for a related cause I’m passionate about - providing all children with access to swimming lessons.

The physical, mental and social benefits of swimming are immense, and with drowning numbers in New Zealand on the rise, there is a huge need to make sure we feel confident and safe in and around water. Silverlight Swimming is a charity who provides swimming lessons to school-age children in low-income families who would otherwise not have the means to do so. It’s headed by Rose Hayden, an ex-competitive swimmer and experienced swim coach, who is doing amazing work to make this happen at the Stanmore Leisure Centre.

It's $140 to put a child through the Silverlight Swimming programme. Based on the 4.6km distance, I’m aiming to fund 5 children, one for each km - of course rounding up so the 5th isn’t short changed!

If you’re willing and able to contribute, that would be awesome.