Meet deejay turned ocean adventurer, Abigail Ray
Former East Coast Radio deejay, Abigail Ray, traded in her life behind the radio microphone, for one of swimming costumes, caps and flippers.
Abi has since developed a passion for competing in open water swims, but also teaching children about the love of water. She now works as a top swimming coach in Durban.
Singakwenza – We can do it!
Abi competed in numerous Dolphin Mile swims and Aquellé Midmar Mile swims, before joining the 8 Mile Club – a group that swims all eight Midmar Mile events, back to back, to raise funds for various charities. Abi has personally raised more than R25,000 for Singakwenza. Meaning “We can do it!”, Singakwenza aims to build sustainable early childhood programmes in economically disadvantaged communities.
Now, in taking part in The Wild Swim, Abi is turning her attention to raise money for eco-tourism on the Wild Coast, and associated marine conservation and environmental journalism training initiatives.
Loves sharks
As an ocean adventurer, Abigail fell in love with sharks on diving trips on the Aliwal Shoal. After spending time with the “gentle-natured” ragged tooth sharks, she began researching the importance they play in the ecosystem, and is now a passionate advocate for these greatly misunderstood animals.
She describes the The Wild Swim as “the most amazing adventure at a pivotal time in my life,” and is particularly excited by the idea of making new friends while staying at rustic ‘home stays’ along the route.
Wild Swim
The Wild Swim takes place from April 26 to May 2 along a 22 km stretch of the Wild Coast earmarked for heavy minerals mining. The adventure swim has been organised by the 8 Mile Club in association with Roving Reporters and the Kydrin Foundation to raise R250,000 for eco-tourism in the area, marine conservation and associated environmental journalism training.
To help The Wild Swimmers reach this target DONATE HERE.
A growing number of organisations are supporting the fundraising drive. Click here to see who they are.
Other businesses, groups of friends and clubs can also create a fundraising page in support of The Wild Swim by clicking here >> Start Fundraising.
