Alberton swimmer makes a huge splash for CHOC

The Midmar Mile and charity swimmers’ fundraiser occurred on February 6 and 7, where Krystle Stewien swam eight miles in open water to raise funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC).

Krystle completed the Charity 8 Challenge and raised R12 150 for CHOC.

“I knew this would be a tough challenge physically, but I wasn’t prepared for just how emotional it would be. Dedicating each mile to someone battling cancer or in memory of those we’ve lost, it made every stroke even more meaningful. It reminded me why I was doing this in the first place,” said Krystle.

The Charity 8 Challenge is an annual endurance event that brings together swimmers in support of various charities.

This year, the CHOC Cows, a team of swimmers dedicated to fighting childhood cancer, raised over R550 000.

Collectively, all participating charities, including CHOC, Pink Drive, Happy Bundles, CANSA, Chad le Clos Foundation, and others raised an impressive R2 180 475.

“I received support from family, friends, and well-wishers, with special recognition going to The Knights of the Round Board, a local darters club from Reading Country Club, for their encouragement and generosity. The support I received was incredible. I also want to thank my family and my long-suffering husband, Darren, who spent months carrying my bags, sitting at lakes, and listening to endless swimming talk,” she said.

Krystle attended Covenant College and Kenton Primary School for her junior years and matriculated from Bracken High School. She has long enjoyed swimming, and many of her best childhood memories were captured at the Alberton Swimming Pool with her parents, Marion and Duncan Geach, who reside in Brackendowns.

For this challenge, Krystle combined her love of swimming with her dedication to helping others.

The event highlighted the sacrifices of individual swimmers and the power of community involvement in the fight against childhood cancer. “While the swim itself is complete, the impact of these efforts continues, providing vital resources to children and families facing this battle,” added Krystle.

Support CHOC’s work through volunteer work or donations via this link.