Sport
14 February, 2023
Lapping for the kids
SWIMMING laps of the Camperdown pool, Luke O’Neil is raising some big dollars for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
SWIMMING laps of the Camperdown pool, Luke O’Neil is raising some big dollars for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Luke has joined the foundation’s ‘Super Swim’ charity event which encourages participants to swim 20 kilometres between February 1 and 28 in the hope of raising some much-needed funds for the organisation.
When Western District Newspapers spoke with Luke last Friday, he had already raised around $13,500 – far exceeding his initial expectations.
“When I first noticed the event online I thought it’d be a good way to keep me accountable with my fitness while raising a few dollars at the same time,” O’Neil said.
“My sister Kaitlyn was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was about two years-old (she’s now turning 23) so the Starlight Children’s Foundation is very close to our hearts.
“It’s great to be able to do something to give back. At first I was aiming to raise about $1,000 but the donations have just kept coming which is amazing.”
With major sponsorship and donations from several local businesses, including Country Road Farm Supplies, Fonterra, Infinity Health Co, Camperdown Mowers, excuse me, and Prosser’s (along with Mercy Reginal College) Luke has been thrilled with the support.
“I anticipate I’ll be half-way to the 20km mark by the end of this week because I’m doing about five kilometres each week in the pool,” O’Neil said.
“By February 26 I’m aiming to have just under two kilometres to go and I’ll smash that through the Lorne Pier to Pub virtual event.”
This Friday (February 17) Steakroad Bar and Grill in Camperdown will donate $1 from every drink sold throughout the day and night.
Raffle tickets will also be sold on the day, with all proceeds going to the foundation.
“I’m very grateful for all those who have already donated and hope to see the number grow even further over the last couple of weeks of the super swim,” O’Neil said.
“People can simply scan my QR code and that will take them directly to the donation site. We’re extremely grateful for all donations, big and small.”
