Over 230 compassionate swimmers plunged into the Pretoria Boys High School swimming pool, enduring a 12-hour marathon of laps. Their goal? To afford little lives the chance to rediscover hope and heal.
Pretoria, South Africa (28 October 2025) – As soon as the clock struck 8 am this past Saturday, the Pretoria Boys High School (PBHS) pool came alive! Over 230 enthusiastic swimmers hit the water for this year’s swimathon for Lemon Tree Kids.
Together they swam for 12 hours straight, completing lap after lap, all to support a powerful purpose: helping young children rediscover hope and normalcy.
Of the 10 lanes, two were dedicated to PBHS parents, one for teachers and staff and five for the pupils. Ahead of the main event, each lane had a captain and a vice captain, who encouraged their participants to reach out to the greater PBHS community to donate per km they swim or make a one-off donation to Lemon Tree Kids.
Lemon Tree Kids works with Paediatric Oncology Units in Pretoria to support children diagnosed with cancer and help get them the best medical treatment available in warm and comfortable environments. Now, their efforts have been given an incredible boost thanks to the swimmers who pushed past fatigue, discomfort and the cold to champion for their cause and raise over R370,000!
Among many other projects, these funds will assist the charity in its mission to transform pediatric oncology wards into “fantasy worlds”, help improve the rooms and equipment, as well as support the children’s needs by providing for immediate needs like groceries, toiletries, and essential clothing.
As participant Tyron Smit shared:
“More than 230 people swam for lives, for a purpose. You guys helped swim for young kids who are more disadvantaged than us. On behalf of them, thank you, thank you for your simple act, because this simple act is re-allowing these kids to live normal lives.”
Every stroke, every smile, and every act of generosity added up to something truly powerful. A huge well done to everyone who swam, supported, counted laps, or simply showed up – you’ve made lots of sweet “lemonade” that will change so many kids’ lives!
Sources: Sport for Lives
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