Sandton quadriplegic swimmer raises money to fund therapy for neurological patients
After already raising R225 000 swimming the Midmar Mile, Taariqa Archary is calling on the community to help her reach the fundraising goal of R500 000 for neurological care.
Having conquered one of South Africa’s most iconic open-water swims, Sandton resident Taariqa Archary is now focused on an even bigger challenge: Rallying community support to fund-life changing therapy for neurological patients.
A 39-year-old quadriplegic recently completed the Midmar Mile in 01:11:00, raising R225 000 towards her R500 000 goal to fund neurological therapy for 100 patients through the Trojans Neurological Trust (TNT).
Archary is proud for finishing the race. “It was an amazing race. The water was so warm and everything on the day just came together. I would like to say a huge thank you to all who have donated. Your generosity is amazing. Your contributions are not just donations, but a way of changing lives.”
Read more: Sandton quadriplegic swimmer completes Midmar Mile, raises R225 000 for neurological care
Archary’s life changed completely eight years ago following a devastating car accident that left her quadriplegic. Born in Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu-Natal, and now based in Sandton, Archary was once an electronic engineer with plans to compete her Master of Business Administration degree, travel more, and start a family, but, instead, she was forced to rebuild her life after the accident. “Before I started therapy, sitting up on my wheelchair or lifting my arm was very difficult.
“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. Those are the emotional challenges too, and then to wrap your head around the fact that I can’t actually do anything for myself.”
Archary said that she was never a natural swimmer, in fact, she first decided to get into water to conquer a personal fear. Her first Midmar Mile, in 2025, 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 and this year my goal is to raise R500 000 through the Mission 100 campaign.”
Also read: Sandton quadriplegic swimmer takes on Midmar Mile for neurological patients
The campaign is run through Hands that SSServe, a non-profit organisation founded in honour of her late father-in-law Sundress Archary, and her uncle Steve Chokalingam. “They were very, very involved in charity and services and donation drives. So, we started this as a family to honour them. We want it to be something sustainable, to help people for decades.”
Although R225 000 has been raised, she is appealing for the community to help reach the fundraising target before donations close at the end of March. “All the funds raised will go directly to TNT, which currently supports 37 neurological patients and cannot take on more due to funding constraints. To those of you that haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, it’s not too late. Please join our mission 100. You will be changing lives.”
Details: Contact Taariqa Archary on 0710831863 or info@ssserve.co.za.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
