Participants in a Bendigo fundraiser for people living with multiple sclerosis have smashed their collective target, raising over $30,000 so far.
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This weekend saw the city host its first-ever MS Mega Swim, a 24-hour team relay event, at the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre.
Nine teams and 140 swimmers participated in the inaugural event, including the 14-strong Red Heads team.
The team was formed by Rachel Mill, whose mother Andrea Rankin was diagnosed with MS over 16 years ago.
Gayle Wright, a Red Head, Rachel's aunt and Andrea's sister, said she thought the fundraiser could only get bigger and better in future years.
Andrea said she was proud of her daughter for organising the team.
"I'm in control of [MS], it's not in control of me - I won't give it the privilege," Andrea said of her condition.
Rotary Club of Bendigo immediate past president Libby Hughes said she came across the idea of the MS Mega Swim at a conference a couple of years ago and when Gurri Wanyarra opened, she thought it would be a great place to hold it.
The facility was provided free of charge for the event.
According to the event's website, organisers hoped to raise $20,000 through the Bendigo event - but so far, they have collected $30,230.
For more information or to donate, visit the Mega Swim Bendigo website.
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