A Cloncurry couple are making a splash in an effort to raise money and awareness for sick children at the Starlight Children's Foundation.
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Former Ekka showgirl winner Mikaela Tapp and Aaron Wehrman have both set their goal in the Super Swim Challenge, with Ms Tapp enlisting for the 32km swim and $1500 and Mr Wehrman for the 14km and $500.
Ms Tapp said this was their first year taking part in the challenge to make a difference to the lives of children who are undergoing treatment in hospital.
"This is the third year of the Super Swim Challenge, so it is still a new challenge and I only heard about it this year and we decided to take part," she said.
"You choose your own goal and have 30 days to complete it. The challenge started on Australia day and will conclude on February 24, so we have less then 10 days to complete our goals."
Ms Tapp said Aaron had met his goal already, however she had 13 kilometres left to go and $280 left to fundraise.
"We have tried to swim everyday with weather permitting. There have been a few storms around recently so the pool has been closed in the afternoon when we normally go.
"Everyday we feel like we are getting better and better at it, so it makes it a bit easier.
"I was a big swimmer when I was younger and I did coaching for the swimming club a few years ago, so I thought 'this should be easy', but it is proving to be quite challenging but I am nearly there. It is a big challenge but it is a good feeling."
Ms Tapp said they had received overwhelming support from friends, family and community members, who were donating to the cause.
"Support has been awesome, a lot of our friends and family have donated and Narissa at the Cloncurry pool is donating our entry fees every time we go, so it is good to see the community getting behind it.
"We wanted to support this foundation, although we don't have kids ourselves, we have big families with little kids. So we thought if we could swim some laps to help out someone's child and brighten their time in hospital then we thought that was a good cause.
"It is a conversation starter as well. I had someone asked me at the pool the other day what I was swimming for, so it is about raising awareness as well."
You can help Ms Tapp complete her Super Swim Challenge by donating here.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
