Accomplished British open water swimmer and fundraiser Anna Wardley has arrived from icy cold England to take on the world’s largest open water event, the Midmar Mile on February 13.
Among her achievements, Wardley has 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-long British Long Distance Swimming Association Double Windermere Race; the 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 in and a passion for water sports, the Brit has sailed around the world in the Clipper Round the World yacht race and then, having enjoyed 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.
Midmar mile 2011 information click here
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 inspiring injured service men and women through sailing, and a local charity, Sail Africa, which aims to improve the prospects of disadvantaged young people in Durban 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 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 Tuesday, February 8 for their new L34 yacht, the “Spirit of Anna Wardley”. Wardley is a founding member of Sail Africa and was very involved in securing the organisation’s first boat, the “Bournemouth North Rotary”.
While in South Africa, Wardley 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.
Look out for Wardley at the Midmar Mile, which takes place on February 13. Some of the other big names at the event include SA swim star Ryk Neethling, former SA swimmer Charlene Wittstock – soon to be Princess Charlene of Monaco – and German swimming star Franziska van Almsick, while double Olympic gold medal winner Penny Heyns will also be in attendance.
Copy and pictures provided by Sophie Thompson of Publicity Matters