Krystle Stewien swims for a cause in the aQuellé Midmar Mile

FOR Krystle Stewien, swimming is not just a sport; it is a lifeline, and a chance to make a difference.

The Randburg marketing manager will be swimming across the Midmar Dam multiple times over the next two days, with the aim of changing lives, ahead of the annual open water swim, the aQuellé Midmar Mile.

Stewien took part in the aQuellé Midmar Mile Eight-Mile Charity Challenge for the first time last year after hearing about how much money was raised.

This year, she will once again be representing children’s cancer charity CHOC, which aims to save lives through early detection and comprehensive support programmes for families affected by cancer.

Her dedication to the cause stems from a deeply personal loss, her sister-in-law, Melissa Geach, who lost her battle with cancer seven years ago.

"My sister-in-law fought incredibly hard for two years, and watching that battle was horrific. The pain, the suffering, and the helplessness of seeing someone you love go through that never really leaves you. She left us devastated, leaving behind her husband and two children under the age of 10.

“That loss is a huge part of why I do this. I swim Mile 8 in her honour,” said Stewien.

She said she heard about the 8 and 16 milers years ago, and thought these people were crazy.

"Who swims those distances? I admired them but never thought I’d be one of them. Then I started hearing about how much money they raise for the various charities and the real difference these guys are making. That’s when I decided to put my hand up and take on the challenge,” said Stewien.

She said she didn’t realise how emotional the experience was going to be last year.

“By the time I reached my eighth mile, I was crying. I stood with my feet in the water and thought about every person I had dedicated a mile to, and about their families. I prayed for those still fighting, and remembered those that we have lost. Then I got into the water and swam.

“I cried again after the final mile. I was ecstatic getting out of the water, but within minutes, the emotions just hit again. It was overwhelming, but it was so incredibly meaningful,” she said.

Stewien joined 37 other swimmers raising funds for CHOC this year, kitted out in their famous cow-print swimsuits.

“What brought me back is knowing that what we’re doing really makes a difference. It’s not just a swim. It’s helping real people who are living through their hardest days. Knowing that I can be part of that again and do a little more than I did last year, is what pulled me back to the water.

“I managed to raise R12,150 last year, and I’m currently on R18,250 for this year. My ultimate goal is to raise a total of R100,000 for CHOC, so I guess I’m going to be back for a good few more years donning my cow cozzie,” she said.

Agie Govender, regional manager for CHOC, said the organisation was hoping to raise a total of R500,000 at this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile.

"We are truly overwhelmed by the passion and dedication each swimmer brings to our programme. The truth is that children with cancer can survive if they are diagnosed early, but the heartbreaking reality is that many of our children come to us too late, and their prognosis is very poor.

“That is why every swimmer’s effort matters so deeply: by creating awareness of CHOC and the early warning signs of childhood cancer within their networks, they are helping us change lives,” she said.

Since the aQuellé Midmar Mile Charity Challenge's launch in 2016, it has raised over R22 million rand for charities across South Africa.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE