THE countdown has begun to this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile where thousands of swimmers take to the water, each with their own goals and aspirations.

Some are aiming for a personal best time, others are hoping to join in on the gees, and some are dedicating their mile to charities, organisations or loved ones.

One thing is for sure, every stroke carries extra meaning as they swim across the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam.

This is true for Durban North teenager Slade Davey who aims to swim his first mile.

Also read: Local resident to dedicate her Midmar Mile to SPCA

The 14-year-old is raising funds for the Bright Eyes Trust, which provides early childhood development programmes for visually impaired children as well as training for parents and caregivers.

He has started a BackaBuddy page with the fundraising goal of R5000 and the youngster has already surpassed the halfway mark of his target.

Slade explained that swimming the Midmar Mile is not just a sporting challenge, but a meaningful opportunity to give back.

“I have completed a few Dolphin Miles and recently I completed the 25 Piers Challenge, the world’s toughest surf swim challenge. I was originally swimming the Midmar towards my own lifesaving training but I was approached by Bright Eyes and I decided to swim and raise money for them,” he said.

“I decided to choose the Bright Eyes Trust because of the incredible work they do with visually impaired children. My siblings wear glasses and it’s not always easy for them. Not all kids can fit into a mainstream school and I’m grateful that organisations like this exist. I am grateful for my eyesight, I am grateful for the things I can achieve, and if I can raise money for something like education for kids who can’t see, it’s a no brainer!”

Also read: Local radio DJ to tackle Midmar Mile

Slade trains most days and is also guided by his mother, Coral, who is a swimming teacher.

• If you would like to support Slade’s fundraising goal, visit his BackaBuddy page.

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