Hampton grandmother Marilyn Simmons raises $15k for MS
Marilyn Simmons was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis nearly 60 years ago but that hasn’t stopped the Hampton grandmother from achieving her life goals. Now she’s challenging herself to help others with the condition.
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A Hampton grandmother is diving headfirst into fundraising for a charity close to her heart and proving you’re never to old to make a splash.
Marilyn Simmons, who was diagnosed with MS in 1962, will compete in her 20th MS 24-hour Mega Swim to support people living with multiple sclerosis.
Ms Simmons’ team, The MS Floaties, have raised more than $15,000 in the past 17 years by taking on the challenge, as well as selling arts and crafts.
The event, now in its 20th year, is a relay challenge where teams compete for laps swum and money raised over a 24-hour period.
Ms Simmons said the event was a “wonderful way” to support people to achieve their dreams, despite their MS.
“I’m fortunate that I have enough money to pay for things I require or want but for others, their MS can stop them from being able to do some things,” she said.
“This is a way to raise money to help those people.”
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Ms Simmons said her devoted husband, Tig, walks alongside the pool and “eggs me on” each year.
“One year I was in a wheelchair and unable to swim so he pushed my chair up and down and I touched the wall at each end and it was like I had done the swim,” she said.
“The best part about being here at the 24-hour Mega Swim is meeting other people with MS and other helpers and carers.
“If I can do (the swim), you can do it too.”
To find out more, or sign up to an event, visit msmegaswim.org.au