Taariqa Archary’s journey is one of extraordinary courage. After a life-altering car accident that left her quadriplegic, she faced challenges that would test the most resilient of individuals. Yet, she chose not to be defined by her circumstances and instead took on the world’s largest open-water swimming event!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (18 February 2025) – After surviving a heart-wrenching car accident eight years ago, where she was cut from the wreckage with the Jaws of Life, Taariqa Archary, deemed a C5/6 quadriplegic, chose to rise above adversity and refuse to let that tragedy define her.
While she may have been robbed of most of her independence and the simple joys of getting to hold her husband’s hand, with a lot of physical therapy and a positive perspective, Taariqa has conquered many challenges and obstacles that could have easily broken her.
“Simply sitting up without getting lightheaded was one of the first challenges, then strengthening muscles that were still active, all of these are ongoing challenges that you work towards in constant therapy,” Taariqa shares with us.
“Then there’s the mental and emotional well-being which is harder but with my support system I work through that on a daily basis, I have incredible family and friends.”
Her resilience is inspiring, to say the least, and it shone brightly recently after she courageously took on the iconic open water swim, the Midmar Mile, earlier this month.
Taking on the swim started as a personal challenge for Taariqa and then grew into an opportunity to increase awareness and raise funds for those who are differently-abled and cannot afford therapy.
“I trained for a year by doing hydrotherapy, biokinetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, reiki and also with a personal trainer. It was difficult but rewarding,” she explains.
Taariqa’s swim helped raise funds through Hands That Ssserve, a non-profit organisation started by her family, to which all proceeds will be given to Trojans Neurological Trust (TNT) – a charity that provides support and financial aid to underprivileged patients in need of comprehensive neurological rehabilitation.
As she reflects on having completed and conquered the Midmar Mile in 01:26:48, a proud Taariqa says:
“It feels surreal but gratifying. The real achievement is the funds we were able to raise.”
For your incredible triumph, faced with great courage and heart, well done to you, Taariqa! You have reminded us that even in the face of immense adversity, we have the power to rise above our challenges and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Sources: Nothando Mthembu | Taariqa Archary
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