A new month will also mark the start of SurFebruary, a charitable event seeing hundreds of supporters swimming or surfing everyday in February.
All money raised during the month is donated to Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a hospital dedicated to treating and researching cancer.
The journey of ‘SurFebruary’ began in 2014 when co-founder Jenna-Lea Clark was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer, just weeks after the birth of her daughter.
For three years she underwent many surgeries, including a modern trachelectomy procedure.
She was treated for much of that time at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
Jenna-Lea now lives a happy, cancer free life and has since had another baby boy who she describes as her ‘miracle child,’ after being told she’d be unable to fall pregnant again.
Wanting to give back, the Clark family began the charitable event which promotes ‘a wave a day.’
Jenna-Lea believes the water can have a restorative impact in the darkest of times.
SurFebruary Campaign Manager, Meg Wardop is excited about the fundraiser’s expansion.
“I’m most excited about how much we’ve grown. I knew we were onto a good thing a couple of years ago when I met founders Jenna and Arron Clark and we backed ourselves, but now others are backing us too.”
Meg is thrilled to announce their goal of 500 participants is about to be exceeded and is double the participation of last year.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the surfing community rally behind us, but what fills us up the most are the people we are meeting and the stories that are being told by those who have been affected by cancer.”
“There’s more people than ever who are conquering their fears of the water, pulling out the surfboard after not jumping on for 10 plus years and are giving it a go for the first time. That’s what it’s all about” Meg says.
Many Novacastrians are participating this year, donating 100% of their profits to the specialised cancer hospital.
One local team will be led by Xav and Ben Neil who have a team of over 40. This will be Xav’s 3rd year participating.
They believe SurFebruary is a fundraiser anyone can get involved in, not just surfers. All it takes is a dip in the ocean and a will to raise money for a good cause.
