With a heart beating warmly for pets in need, Guinness world-record holder Howard Warrington will brave the icy waters of the Robben Island crossing.
The endurance swimmer, who has made the crossing an incredible 211 times, will swim it again between 28 February and mid-March, depending on the weather. “So far the weather for this Friday (28 February) looks promising. The sea will be cold, but it looks good,” he declared.
Through this latest effort the Somerset West resident hopes to raise the R50 000 the John Moore Animal Welfare in Robertson needs to buy a vehicle so they will be able to help more animals.
The crossing stretches over a distance of 7,4 km with average water temperatures of 13 ºC, which Warrington will brave in only his speedo.
His wife, Elmarie, will skipper their boat, with his beloved border collie, Lily, by her side to keep an eye out for possible “unfriendly” encounters.
Marius and Michelle Uren of John Moore Animal Welfare will also offer support during the big swim.
“So many organisations need help, but when I read about John Moore needing a vehicle I felt I had to help,” Warrington said.
“I’ve learnt that when helping animal-welfare organisations one is not only helping the animals, but the people too. They love their pets, but often do not have the finances to get help, nor do they know where to go. Let’s be honest, our pets are our saviours and offer many psychological benefits.”
According to Michelle Uren the distance to the nearest vet is often too far for pet owners to walk.
Their own vehicle will allow John Moore Animal Welfare to help more animals get much-needed veterinary care.
She said: “There is so much work to be done in our surrounding community and not having a full-time, suitable vehicle is preventing us from reaching more animals desperately in need of care. Every cent raised will bring us one step closer to our goal of the R50 000 still needed to purchase a bakkie.”
Residents who want to support this effort, can donate via John Moore’s Back A Buddy account or contact them directly on 060 946 4943.
