Howard Warrington has successfully raised over R120,000 thus far for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA; what’s more, people are still donating!
South Africa (24 May 2022) – Endurance Sport-obsessed Howard Warrington has become the 4th person in the world to swim from Robben Island to Blouberg one hundred times – and if that isn’t enough of an accomplishment, he pledged to raise R100,000 for animals… and has already raised R120,000!!!
Having witnessed first-hand the extent of the pollution far from our shores, Warrington has made it his mission to act for animals whose habitats and lives are threatened by human action/inaction.
Early on the frosty morning of 21 May 2022, Warrington arrived at Oceana Power Boat Club in Granger Bay to embark on his ride to Robben Island, where he proceeded to climb into the water and start his 100th swim in aid of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
“Swimming one hundred 7,4-km crossings from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand in a period of seven years took me on a journey I could never imagine,” says Warrington. “My first swim was done with no idea what I was diving into, literally. As it all progressed, I realised this journey chose me more than I chose the journey. With the swims accumulating, I also realised that, as in life, there is no space for complacency. Each swim presented a different sea in terms of temperature, wind, currents, and other factors. Nothing could be taken for granted. Only commitment and focus got me to the shore each time.”
Warrington has successfully raised over R120,000 thus far for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA; what’s more, people are still donating! This phenomenal achievement will help offset at least 12% of costs incurred by our wildlife department, which operates at an estimated cost of a million rand annually.
Says Warrington, “To keep me going, an invaluable team of people assisted me through this journey; my skippers Derrick Frazer & darling wife Elmarie Warrington, my weather watcher Frank Smuts, and crucial crew and dear friend Charl du Plessis. Without them, it would not have been possible. They do know what they were to me over these years. The biggest pleasure, of course, was to have our dog, Lily Warrington, on the boat, watching me through many crossings.”
“I also need to applaud every swimmer, from first-timers to old hands, who swam the crossing with me. Your energy made the goal of one hundred swims less difficult and even more memorable. Last but not least, I thank each and every person that extended goodwill and good wishes as the swims ticked over. Seeing so many faces become friends made it special in a way for which I have no words. Thank you all.”
“In closing, I want to ask every person that chooses a dog, a cat or any pet, please be the team to that precious animal that my team was to me. I would not have lived to see a hundred swims without my team. Your pet cannot live without you. Thank you Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the real heroes!”
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA thanks Howard Warrington for his outstanding efforts and to everyone who supported our Swim4Survival campaign, which will help us in our mission to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of animals.
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