St John of God Bendigo Hospital caregivers swim for MS

Caregivers at St John of God Bendigo Hospital are getting wet to raise money for Bendigo’s inaugural MS 24 Hour Mega Swim held at the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre on August 17 to 18.

15 Aug 2019

16 August 2019

Speech Pathologist Michelle Scott is building a team of caregivers from the hospital to swim for 24 hours.

“The MS Mega Swim was brought to my attention by Rotary Club of Bendigo. Working as a caregiver at a St John of God hospital, I felt this was something we could support not only to raise money and awareness for MS, but also as a fun and active team building event," she said.

"Our team includes physicians, nurses and allied health. Everyday we help people with MS, to enable them to achieve their goals.”

The MS 24 Hour Mega Swim began in 2001 at the Fitzroy Pool in Victoria and was devised by Carol Cooke AM, a three-time Paralympian Gold Medallist in cycling, who has MS and who had a vision of bringing people together to raise funds for those living with multiple sclerosis.

“We’re so excited that we’re able to host the MS 24 Hour Mega Swim for the very first time in Bendigo,” Carol said.

“It’s amazing that well-over 100 people have already signed-up for the event and so great that we’ve raised over $9,000 for Australians living with MS.

"Our goal is $20,000 so we still have a way to go to reach our goal.

“We’re just so overwhelmed by the support Bendigo has shown us so far and we’d really like to thank all who are involved in this great event.

"It doesn’t matter if you can do 100 fast laps or doggy paddle just one – everyone can join in and have fun.

“Every kilometer you swim and every dollar you raise will help someone with MS to live their best life.”

Funds raised from the 24 Hour Mega Swim go towards the MS Go for Gold Scholarships, Financial Assistance Programs and providing services to directly benefit those living with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The average age of diagnosis is between 20 to 40 years of age, although children as young as 10 have been diagnosed.

It you wish to donate money or enter a team visit the MS Mega Swim website.