http://www.cysticfibrosismacarthur.org.au

Massive response shows our CF kids we care

February 14, 2012

Last Saturday's Swimathon for Cystic Fibrosis raised a whopping $83,000 — and counting

BY ALEXANDRA PLEFFER
15 Feb, 2012 01:00 AM

YOUNG people in Macarthur with cystic fibrosis can be in no doubt that their whole community is behind them.
Last Saturday’s Swimathon for Cystic Fibrosis raised a whopping $83,000 — and counting — to help fund research and provide support for sufferers of the disease, which clogs the lungs and digestive system with mucus.

That’s the equivalent of more than $1000 raised for each of the 82 local residents with cystic fibrosis (CF), including Raby’s Lauren Rowe (pictured above).

Former Advertiser journalist Michelle Fenech started the event four years ago, and it has now raised a total of $227,000. More than 150 local swimmers swam more than 200 kilometres at Wollondilly Community Leisure Centre.

Penny Free of Elderslie, whose 12-year-old daughter Julia has CF, said she was speechless when she found out how much money had been raised. Mrs Free said the event showed kids with CF that they’ve got a whole community behind them,” she said. “There’s a lot of people out there who care about them and want to support them.”

Wollondilly Community Leisure Centre staff faced a last minute rush to get the pool ready on Saturday morning after the gym and foyer were flooded in Friday’s storm. Mr Barnes said the most amazing thing about Saturday for him was the number of people who helped out and turned up to swim. “It gets bigger and bigger and I can’t wait till next year.”

NSW Sport Minister Graham Annesley opened the swim and other local MPs donned their swimmers.

Committee member Michelle Fenech thanked James Barnes and the team at Wollondilly Community Leisure Centre, the team at Lifehouse Church Camden, Tahmoor Lions Club, Plus Fitness, Sharon’s Photography, Macarthur Castles and Rob Doorey from C91.3.

OUR SPONSORS

Platinum: Xstrata Coal, Peter Jermyn, Camden Valley Inn, Hennings Jewellers, Plus Fitness, DA Global Logistics, Byrons Chartered Accountants and the Advertiser newspapers

Gold: TRN Group, Trophy Mart Leumeah, Framing Beautiful, Macarthur Castles, Macarthur BEC, Illawarra Coal, FDC Construction & Fitout, Lifehouse Church, Wollondilly Community Leisure Centre, Tahmoor Lions Club, Sharon’s Photography

Silver: C91.3, Heli-Aust, Splendour Interiors, My Gateway, Combined Real Estate, Hillbrick Racing, Hi Quality Electrical, ANZ Tahmoor, Paul Wakeling Motor Group, Splendour Interiors

Bronze: Tony Wolf & Son Quality Printers, Creations by Jas, Rydges Campbelltown, Chris Lane Photography, ANZ Stadium, GWS Giants, Masters Home Improvement, Macarthur Square, Camden Hire, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, Balloon Aloft, Pinnacle of Pretty, Mowbray Park Farmstay, Campbelltown Catholic Club, Natalie’s Beauty & Massage, Harrington’s Bar & Grill, Uniden, House Warehouse Tahmoor

Story thanks the the Wollondilly Advertiser