Erin Freeburn has no real desire to swim the English Channel.
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The body of water that separates southern England from northern France and links the southern part of the North Sea to the Atlantic, is too cold for her liking.
But the Coledale early childhood educator will swim the length of the English Channel over the next month to raise funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
And to complete the 32 kilometre journey, the self-confessed early riser will wake up even earlier than usual.
“I already wake up really early as I work in Sydney for Guardian Early Learning. The plan is to wake up even earlier to swim about a kilometre and a half each day,” Miss Freeburn said.
When she heard of Guardian’s “long-time” support for Starlight, the 29-year-old jumped at the chance to combine her love of swimming with her passion for helping children.
And Miss Freeburn had no hesitation in choosing the English Channel option of the Super Swim challenge.
Having a background as a competitive swimmer, choosing the longest swim distance option was a “no-brainer”.
“I decided basically if I’m going to do that and challenge myself and really raise funds for a worthwhile cause, then it needs to be challenging for myself,” she said.
“That’s why I came to the conclusion of trying the 32kms.
“I figure if we really want to raise awareness and money about children in hospital and families and children who really need that support….then me swimming every day is no challenge compared to that.”
She aims to swim in increments of 1.5-2kms a day until February 24
Miss Freeburn, who coordinates and oversees Guardian’s educational program at The Pavilion Sydney City, has talked to the centre’s children about the swim challenge.
”I’ve also posted it to our families here at the service. They have been amazing in their support and making donations as well,” she said.
Miss Freeeburn has already surpassed her $350 goal but hopes to raise much more for Starlight before her final swim.
Visit her fundraising page here to support her.
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
