Hundreds of swimmers take on fundraising challenge
After being rescheduled due to Perth’s recent COVID lockdown, the annual Watermans to the Wall open water swim was finally able to go ahead last Saturday 8th May. The swim raised funds for Royal Life Saving friends and lifesaving ambassadors, the Ridley family, and their journey with cancer.
Andrew Ridley is the coach of WA’s Pool Life Saving State Team and has been involved with a whole range of swimming and lifesaving clubs over the years, training up many of the state’s current lifesaving stars! He’s been instrumental in the development of incredible young swimmers and lifesavers, and the weekend’s swim gave them a chance to give back.
In February 2013 Andrew’s wife, Carly, was diagnosed with a rare form a cancer, Angiosarcoma. 8 years ago doctors told Carly she would not survive 5 years, but through her drive, determination and amazing will to live Carly has overcome the odds, but her treatment program comes with significant expense that the weekend’s swim aimed to assist with.
41 teams and 215 individuals took part in Saturday’s 2.7km swim from Watermans Bay to the rock wall at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Royal Life Saving WA trainers Gayle Cruden and Nicole Durrant, who themselves teach hundreds of children vital Swim & Survive skills each year, took part in the race.
The overall winner was Andrew Donaldson, who swam the 2.7kms in a time of 33 minutes 19.7 seconds, while the winning team completed the race in 46 minutes 16.7 seconds.
Other results were:
- Over 16 female - Sofie Frichot 38:37.5
- Over 16 male - Andrew Donaldson 33:19.7
- Under 16 female - Lani Baxter 42:21.8
- Under 16 male - Flynn Czaplinski 38:47.7
At the conclusion of the race competitors enjoyed a sausage sizzle, while swimmers and supporters also took part in a silent auction to raise further funds for the Carly Ridley Benefit Fund.
A big thanks to the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club, who organised the event and all of those who took part to support the incredible Ridley family in their journey.
You can still show your support by donating to the family’s Go Fund Me campaign at the link below.
