Local to take Midmar Mile challenge to raise funds for CHOC
She decided to raise money for CHOC after her friends lost two granddaughters to cancer.
Northvilla resident Barbara Wentworth will again line up at the start of the 50th edition of the aQuelle Midmar Mile in February in the famous cow print costume and swim cap to raise funds for CHOC.
This will be Barbara’s 30th consecutive swim since first taking a plunge in the Midmar Dam in February 1994.
She will also be 75 years old when taking on the challenge.
“I was teaching at St Dominic’s Convent and realised that even young girls were swimming the Midmar. I had been a swimmer when I was still at school and I thought if those little ones can do it, so can I,” she said.
Since that first swim, it has become a family affair for Barbara after family members decided to join in the fun.
After years of going to Pietermaritzburg every February to enjoy a family getaway at the Mile, in 2020 she decided to swim for a good cause.
“I chose to help CHOC. Our friends Rob and Viv Lindsay had just lost their second granddaughter to cancer.
Jessica was 22 months old and Georgia was nine. After the second funeral and after seeing CHOC had a presence at the Mile, I decided to raise funds for the organisation.”
In 2020 she raised R20 000 and last year it went up to R25 000. This year she’s hoping to raise around R50 000.
“I couldn’t bring Jessica or Georgia back but perhaps some money would help other children in their fight against this dreadful disease.”
Barbara will be representing the Mad Cows, which was started by Rob and Viv Lindsay’s daughter Kerrin to raise funds for CHOC at various events including the 947 Cycle Challenge.
“I think any money I raise can make some difference to CHOC. I’m very confident the donations I get are put to good use,” she said.
Along with the herd, they will line up in their costumes, which have become a familiar sight at this event to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
“Barbara is an absolute inspiration to all of us. With her incredible fundraising efforts over the past few years, she’s raised well over R45 000 for CHOC.
“We wish her all the best for her 30th Midmar Mile swim in the company of the herd. We salute you,” said ‘lead cow’ at the Midmar, Iris Varty aka Daisy Cow.
To donate to Barbara’s fundraising efforts, click on the red donate button on the link below or via EFT into The Cows bank account https://www.givengain.com/ap/barbara-wentworth-raising-funds-at-midmoomile-2023.
The Mad Cows banking details are Standard Bank, branch Killarney, code 007 205, account name CHOC Cows, account number 203 710 843, and account type is savings.
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