Brit long distance swim heroine for Midmar Mile

Thursday, 03 February 2011 07:50

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Inspirational British swimmer graces Midmar Mile

Accomplished British open water swimmer and fundraiser, Anna Wardley has arrived from an icy cold England to take on the world’s largest open water event, the Midmar Mile on 13 February 2011.

Wardley tackled five extreme swims in and around Europe over two years to raise money for three select charities. The first was the World Ice Swimming Championships in Finland; followed by the 21 mile British Long Distance Swimming Association Double Windermere Race; Hellespont Race from Europe to Asia; the Everest of marathon swims across the English Channel and finally crossing the Gibraltar Straits from Spain to Morocco.

With a background and passion for water sports, the Brit has sailed around the world in the Clipper Round the World yacht race and then enjoying the experience went on to work for Clipper Ventures as head of their media. She now heads up a charity organisation called Turning the Tide.

Graduating from being an occasional pool swimmer, Wardley quit her job to focus on open water swimming with the driving ambition to raise funds for Samaritans, a 24/7 support for anyone experiencing distress and despair that could lead to suicide; Toe in the Water, an organisation re-inspiring injured service men and women through sailing and a local charity Sail Africa which aims to improve the life chances of disadvantaged young people in Durban, South Africa through sailing.

Wardley explains, “I strive to restore hope and started doing lots of crazy swims around the world to raise a lot of money for my three brilliant charities,” The bubbly character chuckles, “I am built for endurance and I believe I will be able to do the mile comfortably. I am looking forward to swimming in warm waters that is for sure!”

Recognising her contribution to Sail Africa, the organisation will be honouring her and conducting a  naming ceremony on 8 February for their new L34 yacht, the ‘Spirit of Anna Wardley’ will officially be introduced to the fleet. Wardley is a founding member of Sail Africa and was very involved in securing their first boat the ‘Bournemouth North Rotary’.

While she is in South Africa she won’t be straying too far from the water and plans to compete in the Round the Island Race at the Vaal Dam on a 27ft Beneteau First Class 8 with founder of Sail Africa and well known Durban sailor, Craig Millar.

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