The Cows Media Release

thecows2201

8 Feb 2022

Embargo: None

Written by: Dave Macleod

School children ready to swim Midmar Mile for CHOC

Durban - Close to 150 swimmers at the aQuellé Midmar Mile this weekend will be swimming in the colours of The Cows as the distinctive fun-loving swimmers set about raising money for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Association of South Africa, with a particularly strong representation of schoolchildren.

The Cows have the privilege of starting in their own batch at 8:30 on Saturday morning, including 26 swimmers from St Mary’s DSG in Kloof and 32 swimmers from Hatfield Christian School in Gauteng, with swimmers from St Henry’s Marist Brothers and Chelsea Prep making up The Cows contingent of junior swimmers.

Ladysmith High School head boy Dylan Tschirpig will be doing his fifth aQuellé Midmar Mile for The Cows.

“The enthusiasm from the high school kids for this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile has been infectious,” said local co-ordinator of The Cows Durbs Daisy.

“Hatfield School has been a regular supporter of the Midmar Herd, but the growth of interest from Saints has been really exciting. They were all delivered their swimming costumes this week and cannot wait for Saturday to arrive,” she said.

In addition to the 110 swimmers in The Cows batch swimming on Saturday morning, there are around 35 swimmers in The Cows colours taking on the tough Eight Mile challenge on Thursday and Friday.

The Cows target most of the country’s major mass participation sporting events as opportunities to raise money for CHOC, and have raised well over R30 million for the childhood cancer charity since its foundation in 2008.

More information about The Cows can be found at www.thecows.co.za

About The Cows
The Cows were started in 2008 by a group of eight enthusiastic cyclists keen to make a difference and raise funds for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa. Cordi van Niekerk was one of the founder members and joined Kerrin and Grant Bain in cycling the 947 Cycle Challenge in memory of their daughter, Jessica, who had recently died from cancer at just 20 months old.

As CHOC had played a significant role in the Bain family's life in the last few weeks of Jessica’s life, specifically with palliative care and emotional support, the decision was to make CHOC the beneficiary of their quest. They decided to don cow suits and succeeded in raising R230 000.

In 2009, the herd gained momentum and grew to 140 energetic cows. Just two years later the herd numbered a staggering 350 cows all riding for a purpose. Armed with the ‘Love Living Life’ slogan and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, the herd has enjoyed much success and acclaim.

Ten later, hundreds of people have participated in events wearing cow suits. The Cows have raised well over R30 million for specific projects implemented by CHOC and The Cows brand is prominent in many sporting events in South Africa. With these funds, CHOC is able to make a difference to the children being treated for cancer throughout South Africa.

One herd; one quest: to make a difference to children with cancer. Love Living Life!

More information can be found at www.thecows.co.za

ENDS