Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Marathon Swimmer Inspires The Region

Chloe McCardel has an unbelievable story of achievement, adversity, and triumph and she was in the Whitsundays last week to tell that story to school children across the region.

Chloe shared her marathon swimming journey – a journey that has seen her traverse the English Channel a record-breaking 44 times – as well as her challenges, successes, and failures along the way.

She also spoke about her personal story as the victim of domestic violence in more than one relationship, and she says she hopes she is able to help children identify certain behaviours in their own relationships.

“Hopefully, (the talks) will help them see red flags in their personal lives or from their friends, because most of the people attending the talks are school age,” she said.

The children have been very engaged and receptive to her message.

“Feedback from the teachers has been really good,” she said.

The four-day tour of the region, led by ‘tour guide’ Sergeant Nigel Dalton of Mackay, took Chloe to schools in Bowen, Collinsville, Clermont, Moranbah, and Mackay across four days.

Chloe said that Sergeant Dalton showed her the sights as they made their way down the coastline.

“As we go along the towns, Nigel is showing me the local highlights,” she said.

Marathon Swimmer Chloe McCardel presented her story to schools of the region last week

Mackay’s Sergeant Nigel Dalton showed Chloe the sights of the region as they made their way down the coast. Photos: supplied

In other news