A group of Albany swimmers will plunge into the pool this Saturday to honour the memory of their friend Penny Moir and raise money for those suffering from neurological conditions.
Funds raised from the MSWA Albany Swim will be instrumental in the construction of the new MSWA outreach facility in Spencer Park.
Teams of 10 will compete to swim the longest distance in an eight-hour period, using whatever swim style they favour.
Elinor Couper is the captain of her team called PMgirls in honour of their much-loved friend, who died early this year after a battle with motor neurone disease.
She said Mrs Moir was a passionate swimmer, and swam as long as her body enabled her to do so, so the fundraiser was a fitting way to pay tribute.
“Swimming was one of her favourite things, so we want to give back because she would have wanted that,” she said.
“Neurological diseases are horrendous for the person suffering and for the family.
“It seems to be very prevalent in our South West region, and at least six of my father’s friends have died from MND.
Ms Couper had taken part in the swim in the past, having lost her mother to multiple sclerosis. The friends run a local book club which Ms Couper and Mrs Moir were instrumental in creating in the Wellstead area more than 30 years ago.
“She has been a great friend, and was so brave, so we want to honour her,” she said.
“Once she moved to town we moved the club into town.
“We have already hit $3700 in donations for our team, and I think that is a testament to Penny.”
MSWA provides support to people living with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, MND and acquired brain injury.
In the last 10 years more than $200,000 has been raised by the Albany swim.
The MSWA Albany Swim will take place at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre from 9am this Saturday.
Visit mswaswim.org.au.