Christine Roos from Benoni hopes to soon join the bravest swimmers who have tackled the False Bay crossing. As she prepares for the daunting swim, she is reminded that the icy waters ahead are nothing in comparison to the lives she could change by encouraging more people to become bone marrow donors.
False Bay, South Africa (15 November 2023)—Next to the English Channel Crossing, the False Bay Crossing is one of the most difficult swims reserved only for the bravest of the brave.
Christine Roos from Benoni hopes to soon become one of these brave people. Despite knowing that this crossing has its reputation for good reason thanks to incredible icy waters, windy surroundings and duration of up to 12 hours, for her it means little in comparison to the change she hopes to create.
32-year-old Christine is swimming with purpose and hopes that her initiative to take on the ‘Everest of Cape Swims’ will raise awareness, funds and donor numbers for the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR).
“The enormity of this challenge is not lost on me, but it is nothing compared to what patients and their families have to endure to find a matching donor as a result of a life-threatening blood disorder, and added to this, not being able to afford the treatment,” — Christine Roos.
Christine hopes that her daring dive and dash across the channel will inspire people to sign up to the registry if they are not in a position to contribute funds.
The funds raised will help the Patient Assistance Programme which assists people and families with treatment fees.
Becoming a donor is a badge of honour all its own and has been the force behind many good stories, including that of Mighty Mack.
The ambitious swimmer has put herself through significant challenges in preparation for the big day (20 November), including training outdoors in winter where water temperatures are between 11 and 14ºC.
“I feel the bigger impact i make, the more I can encourage people to sign up to become donors and change the course of someone’s life,”adds Christine.
You can learn more about her swim and support its fundraising goals here. Or, you can sign up to become a stem cell/bone marrow donor.