Support CHOC ‘moo-vement’

HIGHWAY’S Hayley Hill joined Mandy Kidson in donning The Cows’ iconic swimsuits and braved the cold waters of Midmar Dam to contribute to the growing CHOC fund-raiser initiative.

Both women have been affected by cancer through the loss of friends and family. Mandy lost her best friend, Jodi Wersig, a few months ago. “She is survived by her two adorable children and her loving husband, Dan. He visited CHOC and, after he watched his wife battle the disease for 17 months, even with medical aid, knew that he needed to help make a difference,” said Mandy.

“I am not a cyclist, but I entered the Amashova last year to help raise funds,” she said. “The Cows group collectively raised more than R100 000 at the event!”

Dan started another group at the end of January this year for people wanting to compete for CHOC at the Midmar Mile. Thirty-three people signed up through the group.

“Some people started training, some of us hadn’t trained,” laughed Mandy as she references herself. “I haven’t swum since primary school!”

“I cycle, I don’t swim. Hayley saw that I was doing it and said she would train with me and had her husband, Graham Hill, coach us. It only took one conversation with her after that to get her to swim in the event as well,” beamed Mandy.

It was only after the race that Mandy said she felt the effects of the long-distance swim.

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“I was only tired when I climbed out of the water and I could tell that I did some exercise,” she said. “I think that you know why you are swimming, and what you are swimming for, and nothing will really stop you.”

Now that the Midmar Mile is done, Mandy said the group is eager to take part in more events and continue to raise much-needed funds or the organisation.

“We are also wanting to raise awareness and anyone can donate, anyone can join,” she said. “Some people think that their contribution won’t make a difference, but you can donate any amount of money and every cent really counts.”

Just from the Midmar Mile, more than R102 000 was raised.

“One person can make a difference. When I am giving, I feel like this is what I am meant to be doing,” said Mandy.

Visit Journey for Jodes on Facebook, hit the like and follow buttons and become part of the group that continues to give.

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