34km swim to help purchase hospital equipment for kids

BYRON Bay resident Andy Beswick is taking on a 34km swim at Lennox Head Aquatic Centre on Saturday, December 14, to raise $20,000 for the Our Kids charity.

The 32-year-old will complete the equivalent of swimming the English Channel, covering 1,360 laps throughout the day.

“I’ve been inspired to take on this challenge after breaking my leg in a running race in September,” Mr Beswick said.

“I swam in my moon boot for five weeks and started thinking this was something I could do.”

Funds raised will help Our Kids purchase a $19,200 Video Laryngoscope for Ballina Hospital, a vital piece of equipment used to intubate sick children.

Mr Beswick said swimming indoors eliminated risks like sun exposure and storms, making it easier to focus on the challenge.

“It’s a chance for other people to come down and set their own little goals,” he said.

“We’ll probably have a raffle and other things happening throughout the day.”

The event runs from 6am to 6pm, with a booking system for pool access. Donations can be made at swim-for-our-kids.raiselysite.com.