Club sails through Swim4Cancer record

By Kath Gannaway
PARTICIPANTS in Healesville’s Swim-4-Cancer 12-hour marathon were ecstatic after blitzing their previous record by almost 100 kilometres.
Healesville Swimming Club secretary, Beverley Oliver, said the result far exceeded expectations and, with sponsorship money still coming in, was expected to raise more than $4000.
Swimmers from the Healesville Swimming Club and the Healesville Indoor Heated Swimming Pool started their marathon swim at 6am and by 6.30am three lanes were in use. As the day progressed a fourth lane was pressed into action to raise funds for the Cancer Council of Victoria.
Ms Oliver said all the swimmers put in a fantastic effort with club members, veteran Frank Hayes (16.25 km) and Tarryn Thom (15 km), and Healesville Indoor Pool manager Ross Ilsley (10.5 km) setting the pace. “Expectations were high to exceed our previous record of 50 km and by midday it was obvious that the record was already at hand,” Ms Oliver said.
“A rush of adrenaline from all our swimmers in the afternoon saw us not only beat the record but smash it to pieces by almost 100 kilometres with a total of 146.60 km completed by swimmers ranging from eight to 54.”
Ms Oliver thanked all the swimmers who participated and added it was not only the swimmers and event organisers who put in to make the event a huge success.
“It would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors who gave so willingly for such a great cause.
“Our special thanks goes to the businesses who have again shown how supportive they are of our community and who continue to support all community groups in the area.”
She said all proceeds from the event would go to the Cancer Council Victoria.