BRENDAN LINES
WAIKERIE sexagenarian Michael Cox is raising money for the Starlight Foundation’s Super Swim Challenge.
So far, Mr Cox has raised $370, swimming just over 3km since beginning in January.
“I was only aiming for $50,” he said.
“Because this is the first year I’ve actually done it, it was a fairly modest amount to begin.”
At 66, Mr Cox said he may not be as fast as he once was in the pool, but his efforts are for a good cause.
“I couldn’t think of anything worse than a child being sick in hospital,” he said.
“And these kids are really ill, that’s motivated me and prompted me to do it.
“It’s a bit disconcerting when you see an 18-year-old zooming along doing the butterfly.
“But I am 66 years old, so just bear that in mind.”
Mr Cox will be contributing towards beating last year’s total of $720,000 and ultimately reaching the foundation’s goal of $1 million.
The foundation provides sick kids with visits from mascot Captain Starlight and rooms in hospitals dedicated to recreation.
Starlight CEO Louise Baxter said the foundation relies on community contributions.
“Starlight’s challenge is that every dollar spent on our vital services must first be raised and Starlight relies on the generosity of the community,” she said.
Mr Cox said he has raised the money single-handedly and urged others to get involved.
“Hopefully there will be other people that take up the challenge,” he said.
“If anyone wants to join me that would be great.”
The Super Swim challenge runs until February 24.
Donations can be made to:  https://superswim.org.au/michael-cox