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Coastguard’s Big Swim fundraiser has seen participants all over the country nominate the distance they think they can swim this month, and ask their friends, family and colleagues to sponsor them.
One local who took up the challenge is 22-year-old Kayla Hyland of Whangaparāoa. Despite health challenges and undergoing multiple surgeries since the age of two, Kayla has swum 22km this month to support Coastguard. So far she has raised more than $2500 in the process.
Kayla loves swimming, having learned as a child under the guidance of Olympic gold medalist Dean Kent at Northern Arena. In a small group of disabled children, she mastered her swimming techniques and also discovered a therapeutic connection with water.
Kayla’s mother Linda says she is very happy to see her daughter take on The Big Swim challenge with such enthusiasm.
“Swimming is more than just a sport for Kayla,” Linda says. “It helped her overcome physical challenges and made her more confident.”
Inspired by her family’s lifelong membership of Coastguard, Kayla saw The Big Swim as a chance to support a cause while doing something she truly enjoys.
Money raised by all the swimmers will go towards training and equipping Coastguard volunteers as well as fuelling and maintaining its rescue vessels.
To support Kayla, visit https://bigswim.org.nz/k-hyland
Info: https://bigswim.org.nz/
