Michael's 12 km Ocean Swim

Hi,

With a mixture of both trepidation and excitement I will be embarking on a 12 kilometre ocean swim this weekend.  My aim is to raise funds for a worthy charity so I am “hitting you up” for support, and have no shame in doing so!

Sunday 20^th May 2012, South Head Roughwater, 12km, Bondi-Watsons Bay

Starting from Bondi Beach, then out to sea, heading north up the coast past what is a long stretch of steep cliffs, into Sydney Heads and then south finishing at Watsons Bay.

Besides the distance, there are a number of elements/challenges to contend:

       - unknown weather / swell conditions of the day

       - change of tide coming through Sydney Heads : it is forecast that we will be swimming against the tide!!

       - water temperature given swim of 3.5 – 5 hours noting that my plan is for no wetsuit

       - food / fluid intake

       - jellyfish

       - blue bottles

       - and the odd shark or two!

 Logistics wise, to enter the swim, every solo swimmer must have a support boat, and I am fortunate that friends have volunteered. So if you’re used to getting requests to donate for charity and you want to know I’ll “earn it”, then you can feel more than satisfied. I am really hoping that conditions on the day are favourable.

Afrika Tikkun is a charity to which a friend of mine, Richard Lubner, is directly involved and hence I feel a real connection.

It is a very worthwhile cause that raises funds for underprivileged kids living in shanty towns in South Africa.  I’ve been to South Africa a few years ago and it doesn’t take much to realise we Aussies are very fortunate.

You can be assured your money will “hit the mark”, not be lost in bureaucracy, and that every cent will count. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and will make a real difference to 250 1-6 year old children being supported by Afrika Tikkun in an Early Childhood Development Centre in Hillbrow, one of the poorest suburbs of Johannesburg.

My personal target has just been raised from $5,000 to $7,500!

So I would greatly appreciate your support. Please donate now (it's quick and easy!) and pass this link on to your own networks. Every dollar counts.

$1,000 will contribute towards 2 meals a day for the children for a year.

$2,000 will contribute towards teaching materials - books/ toys/pencils etc.

$5,000 will support the costs of creative learning and play facilities.

The extra $2,500 will mean a further 6 deserving children can receive Afrika Tikkun's support for a year with numeracy and literacy skills, health care, psycho-social support, nutrition and recreational supervision.

These kids really can have the future they deserve with our support.

Check out their website: http://afrikatikkun.org/pages/what-we-do

I hope to survive to be able to thank you personally!!!

Yours sincerely

Michael Croghan