By Brendan Rees
A group of dedicated swimmers beat insomnia by making a big splash during a 24-hour fundraising marathon at Cranbourne East last weekend.
Four teams and 64 swimmers hit the water for Casey Race’s seventh MS (Multiple Sclerosis) 24-hour Mega Swim.
Kiwanis Club of Berwick hosted this year’s event with club secretary Norman McLennan saying he was overjoyed with the turnout with the event raising almost $10500.
“We had a good time and it’s always interesting during the early hours of the morning but the parents were their supporting their kids,” he said.
The event began at 12pm on Saturday 14 July to 12pm on Sunday 15 July. Teams of up to 15 people participated by swimming laps in relay over 24-hours.
Each team was required to have a swimmer in the water at all times and could not use artificial aids.
The overall winning team – Kings of the Pool – which had 14 participants aged from 12 to their early teens, swum 100 km and 800 metres.
Mr McLennan said “They swam a considerable distance, it was a pretty good effort; they worked out the most efficient way to get it done.”
The event has become Australia’s fastest-growing fundraising events with over 30 taking place annually around the country.
Dandenong Apex 40 group also a barbeque, raising $1167.
City of Casey Deputy Mayor Amanda Stapledon and MS Ambassador Steven van Ruyven also attended, throwing their support behind the swimmers.
Mr Lennan said “Every dollar counts” and hoped to hold a bigger event next year.
