Wesley and Ellie are gearing up for an incredible 20km swim (in their togs) around Rangitoto Island this February—equivalent to two swimming marathons!
It’s a crazy combination of being inspired by people around us and watching too many YouTube videos of people doing incredible things. The plan is 20km of swimming, 7 – 8 hours in the water, no touching land or support boats – just the water and budgie smugglers!
Despite never having taken a swimming lesson, Wesley found his passion during Auckland’s second lockdown when he joined the Kohimarama Swimming Group. Ellie inspired Wes when she swam 100km in 10 days (10km per day) and raised $20,683 for Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization of NZ. She is known for many as a “swimspiration” and since meeting Wes they have become great friends and she is now his unofficial swim coach
Wes’s life took a significant turn when he lost his dad just after turning 18. Even though it was one of the most challenging things he’s ever gone through, he always tries to focus on the positive aspects of life. For him, the silver lining was that he had the perfect role model in his life for 18 years.
I’m completing this swim on behalf of the young boys who don’t have the privilege I had of a father figure. I believe the work Big Buddy does will help these boys grow into strong men, and that’s what the world needs.
Please click to follow and support them both in their mission and watch live as they prepare for this audacious adventure. If they complete this challenge they will be among fewer than 10 people who have ever done it (officially).
Donations can be made here: https://givealittle.co.nz/…/20km-swim-around-rangitoto…
We can’t wait to cheer them both on!
Right now there are around 8,000 boys in New Zealand without fathers in their lives. These boys are navigating the challenges of life without the steady hand of a father to guide them.
With your help, Big Buddy can continue to match young boys with good men to offer friendship, support and a good male role model to look up to.
With 130 young boys currently on our waitlist, your support today is needed more than ever.
Your donation will help build confidence and resilience in the lives of boys whose fathers are not around.
