Event Supports Cancer Patients in Rural Areas
Swimmers are set to dive into the Tumut River on 21st June for the inaugural Winter Solstice Swim, aiming to raise funds for Can Assist, a charity supporting cancer patients in rural areas.
The event, initiated by Donna Martin, a former businesswoman and cancer survivor, will take place at the beach near the Tumut racecourse. Martin began swimming in the river last year for cold-water therapy after her breast cancer treatment.
“I got in for the cold-water therapy, to help my body recover from treatment,” said Martin, who retired in 2024. She added that the group found the location ideal for their swims.
Martin discovered her breast cancer in January 2025, leading her through a year of diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and a double mastectomy with reconstruction. She acknowledges the financial burden of cancer treatment.
Event Details and Support
Participants are encouraged to register via Humanitix and contribute to the Tumut branch of Can Assist. The charity provides financial and practical support to cancer patients undergoing treatment.
About 200 swimmers are expected to take part, with plans to make the swim an annual tradition. Tumut Reflections Park Manager Bryan Curran will ensure fire pits are available to warm participants before and after the swim.
Curran expressed the park's commitment to community support, stating, “Our park team supports other local charities in many different ways but this certainly raises the bar as far as being brave enough to plunge into the river in winter.”
Safety will be overseen by the local canoe club, and participants can enjoy hot showers and a sausage sandwich provided by Can Assist after the swim. A stretch class will also be held at 11am, coinciding with the swim's start time.
The Winter Solstice Swim promises to be a unique opportunity for community involvement, with the next event slated for 21st June. Bryan Curran and the Reflections park team are enthusiastic about making this an annual event.
