North Coast swimmers trek up the hill for a mile to remember

North Coasters big and small took the plunge and tackled the annual Midmar Mile swim last weekend.

Regular mile swimmer and Salt Rock mom Justine Douglas took on the challenge with her son, Ryan, who took part in the event for the first time.

“I am so proud of my boy, he did so well and I cannot wait to do it again next year,” said Douglas.

Ryan was one of the New Wave Aquatics Midmar Swimmers who trained under Cheyne Croxford at Umhlali Preparatory School. They all finished the mile in good times and loved every splash of it.

Croxford has been competing in the Midmar Mile since she was five years old and started in 1985.

“This year my mom, Boenie Bees and my sister Robyn Bees joined me and we all swam the Eight Mile for the PinkDrive – a breast cancer care charity. The three of us raised over R37 000. Every year the assigned charities raise over R3 million through the 8 Mile for charity swim,” said Croxford.

One group you could not miss was Foxhill’s Bloom Centre children and parents in their floral costumes who swam in support of the little special needs school.

Bloom fundraiser Debbie Nicholson said their first Midmar Mile was one of their most enjoyable family events yet.

“We have been blown away by the support we have been given with 109 swimmers from age seven to 71 taking part to raise money for our school. We could not have been more proud to see them all fly the Bloom flag high,” said Nicholson, who also took to the water.

“Their courage and determination was admirable. It is no easy feat swimming this race and when you see these young children accomplishing it, it really warms the heart!”

Nicholson said they have already decided to make the Midmar Mile swim an annual event.

“I already have people wanting to enter for next year after they witnessed firsthand how incredible it was to be part of this event.”

She said the Bloom Centre raised over and above their target which is great news for their new computer room plans.

“We will hopefully also start to get our kitchen up and running for the Bloom kiddies to start learning how to cook and bake.”

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