Gemma Allchin’s 100km swim for hospice – in memory of granddad
The 100km will be in addition to her regular training programme.
Swimmer Gemma Allchin, who aims to raise R50 000 for South Coast Hospice by swimming 100km in the next three months, has officially started on her mighty challenge.
She dived into the pool at Creston College on a sunny morning last week Friday, cheered on by her mom Debra and BT King of hospice.
Gemma completed 160 laps (4km) to get this special initiative going.
She has decided to do this in memory of her late grandfather, Rob Allchin, who died from cancer.
“She has been appointed as an ambassador and will take on a swimming challenge to raise much needed funding for hospice,” said BT.
The 100km will be in addition to her regular training programme, where she is coached by Mandy Koegelenberg (Blue Ocean Aquatics).
Her normal training involves around 5km during 90 minute sessions, so it’s over and above this, as well as galas and whatever else she might swim.
She is confident she can achieve her goals and feels very strongly about the outreach. Once exams are out of the way, she will give it her full attention.
Her parents Noel and Debra are understandably proud of her commitment and will be fully supporting her.
“It’s really wonderful to be able to bless hospice, they do so much good work helping people and supporting families as loved ones take their final journey,” said Debra.
Should you wish to support Gemma and this worthwhile cause, follow her on social media and support her back-a-buddy fund by donating to the initiative.
Gemma is 16 now and in Grade 10 at Creston College.
The family returned to South Africa in April this year after spending three years in Mauritius.
Prior to leaving at the end of 2019, Gemma was selected for SA Schools where she won two golds in her 100m and 200m breaststroke events which are her main stroke.
She is a SA junior national swimmer.
While abroad in Mauritius, she continued her training once Covid lifted.
She was the top breaststroke swimmer nationally in all events 50m, 100m and 200m and was actually ranked third overall across all ages.
On her return to Creston College, she was awarded honours for swimming and received her grey blazer.
This was a real privilege and honour after many years of hard work – and only being in Grade 10.
The new swimming season is in full swing and she is now looking forward to competing at SA Junior Nationals in March 2024.
For more info, contact Debra on 082 7794888 or BT on 082 7280233.
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