Sandton quadriplegic swimmer takes on Midmar Mile for neurological patients
Quadriplegic swimmer Taariqa Archary will brave the Midmar Mile, aiming to raise R500 000 to fund neurological therapy for 100 patients.
When quadriplegic Taariqa Archary (39) lines up at the Midmar Mile on February 7, she will be taking on far more than South Africa’s most iconic open-water swim.
She will be pushing her boundaries, swimming for independence, dignity, and hope, while raising R500 000 to fund 100 neurological therapy patients.
Born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and having moved to Sandton in 2011, Archary was once an electronic engineer with ambitious plans to complete a Masters of Business Administration degree, travel more, and start a family. However, a devastating car accident 8 years ago changed everything. Following the accident, she faced the harsh reality of losing her independence. Therapy became a daily physical and emotional challenge, but also a lifeline. “Before I started therapy, sitting up on my wheelchair or lifting my arm was very difficult, but now I have gained some strength, I can sit and can even lift my arm.
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“Emotionally, I would say that I had to rearrange my life. I made some changes on the goals that I had, like having a family. My husband and I agreed that we’re not going to do that anymore. So, those are sort of the emotional challenges too, and then to sort of wrap your head around the fact that I can’t actually do anything for myself.”
Archary said she was never a natural swimmer. In fact, she first decided to get into water to conquer a personal fear. Her first Midmar Mile was about personal challenge, but has now become something bigger. “I’ve never actually been a water person, but the reason I did it the first time was to challenge myself to raise funds for neurological therapy patients. Last year, I managed to raise R140 000. This year my goal is to raise R500 000 to help at least 100 people.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Sandton quadriplegic swimmer Taariqa Archary will be taking on the Midmar Mile on February 7 to raise R500 000 in support of neurological patients. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #Midmarmile ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Through Hands that SSServe, a non-profit organisation founded in honour of her late father-in-law Sundress Archary and her uncle Steve Chokalingam, Archary has shifted her focus from personal recovery to helping others. “They were very, very involved in charity and services and donation drives. So, we started this as a family to honour them, and we want it to be something sustainable, to help people for decades.”
Also read: 13-year-old Brescia House Student finished first Midmar Mile
She added that funds raised in this year’s Midmar Mile will be given to the Trojans Neurological Trust (TNT). “Funds raised will be donated to TNT. At the moment, they have 37 beneficiaries. They can’t take more because of financial constraints, but if I can raise this R500 000, they will be able to take more beneficiaries.
“Your support can change lives. Every donation, every word of encouragement helps us provide wheelchairs, therapy, and resources to those who need them most.”
Details: Contact Taariqa Archary on 0710831863/info@ssserve.co.za.
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