Why Cantoo and an Ocean Swim
Thirty odd years ago, I lost one of my closest university friends to leukemia. She was just 21. Today, thanks to advances in cancer research, she likely would have survived. This is why I'm taking on a challenge of a 2km ocean swim with Cantoo.
For years, I've watched those distinctive orange Cantoo caps bobbing in the waves, but never imagined I'd be wearing one myself. It wasn't until I interviewed Annie Crawford, Cantoo's inspiring founder, for my and Greta Thomas' podcast 'Don't Stop Us Now!' that I truly understood what those caps represented: ordinary people achieving extraordinary things while funding vital cancer research.
On paper, a 2km ocean swim might not sound daunting for someone who's done ocean swimming before. But three years ago, everything changed. During Covid, I developed severe sciatica. The pain was so intense it would make me sick. Swimming, which had once been my joy, became impossible because the pain was so bad. I had to give it up entirely.
This year, I made a modest pledge to start fresh – just putting my toe in the water five days a week. Simple, right? Yet I failed. I realised that I made every excuse imaginable not to swim. After some deep soul-searching, I finally admitted the truth: I was afraid. Not of the ocean itself, but of the prospect of triggering that horrible pain again.
While I've rebuilt my physical strength through dedicated work and the sciatica has largely subsided, the mental barriers remain. That's why I've decided to do a 2km ocean swim for Cantoo.
Thanks so much for considering sponsoring me. Your sponsorship will help fund critical cancer research that's already saving lives, while I get back to the thing I love, swimming in the ocean. Win, win.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$200
Joanna Flint
$200
Claire Hatton
$200
Jerrie & Michael Alp
Great cause Claire. Best of luck!
$150
S Santa
Claire, the Elves have been updating me on your audacious quest and I hope this spurs you on. You go girl! Luv Santa
$150
Shefali Roy
Claire - this is so fabulous and congratulations!! Good luck!!!
$100
Jill Panizza
You go Clairy! Great cause.
$100
The Blandfords
Good luck with the swim, keep away from those pesky sharks!
$100
Kendra Strudwick
Cheering on your courage and commitment Claire!
$100
Aliza Knox
Good luck!
$100
Emma Burke
Great cause
$100
Jonathan Davey
Congratulations Claire - what a great challenge and a wonderful cause.
$100
Isabel Martinson
Amazing personal achievement for you and for such a good cause. I am so proud of you. With so much love, Izzy xx
$100
Ian Baxter
Well done Claire. Great effort!
$53
Jan
Great job Claire! Small donation to put you over the top.
$50
Alex & Amanda Herbert And Gang
Best of luck Claire Team Herbert's XxxX
$50
Jane Mckellar
Go you good thing!!! Remember all you need to be able to do is swim faster than the slowest swimmer ;)
$50
Keith Hatton
Well done big sis- those sharks can’t outswim you!
$50
Tracey Henderson
Yay Claire - beautiful work x
$50
Wendy Gill
Good luck to both of you all!
$50
Analisa Kirby
You are awesome and so much braver (and fitter!) than me!! Good luck in your second swim and hope the bluebottles run the other way!
$50
Alex Heat
GO CLARE, GO! What a champion Xx
$50
Simon Fennessy
Go Claire, wonderful effort and worthy cause, that makes it a golden moment 👏
$50
Jairan Amigh
Well done Claire on embarking on your own personal challenge while supporting important research.
$50
Adrian Bull
A story of perseverance and fantastic outcome for all concerned. Very proud x
$50
Marise Weir
Well done hope it all goes swimmingly
$50
Tor Reynolds
So proud of you Clairey Fairy,! Make sure you enjoy every minute!
$50
Kylie Clarke
Well done Claire - sounds like you did the hard yards (Cole Classic at Manly today looked a much easier option btw, but I know you’re not one to shy away from a challenge!👏
$25
Lewis Turner
Good luck with both of your swims. Every little bit helps
$20
Catherine Durr
I know you’ll do it, so congrats on the physical and mental effort in this achievement.
$20
Cheryl Wheway
Good luck Claire your amazing xx
$20
Mandy Mccabe
A big challenge. Mental strength will pull you through, I send all my love and energy for this amazing journey.
$20
Whealie & Ads
Good on ya Hattoc! You brave woman xx
Great effort for a great cause. Swim well Claire