Edward Tippett was born three months premature with a profound hearing loss in both of his ears. However, his parents were determined that this disability was not going to limit his opportunities in life. At the age of two, he received surgical Cochlear Implants, enabling him to hear the world around him.
“Deafness is invisible, its impact on life is not,” says Edward.
He began mainstream schooling from Grade 1 and from a very young age, he developed a great love for the outdoors.
“It took perseverance and many hours and years of hard work to become the person I am today; able to engage, communicate and lead a sport-filled life. Having the encouragement and support from family and friends I took up running, hiking, fitness and most importantly swimming,” Edwards adds.
Moving for Sound in partnership with the Hear Us Association aims to raise funds to support Cochlear recipients with the first of a series of challenges, the Robben Island Freedom Swim.
Edward Tippett invites the public to activate generosity with Mark Roach as they swim for a greater purpose.
“The vision for Moving for Sound is to create greater awareness for those in circumstances with hearing loss. There are many out there that are unable to afford these surgeries and those who can, are often faced with various ongoing maintenance costs associated with these audio advancements. I wish to pay it forward, be a person of significance and help wherever possible to impact the lives of others to receive the miracle of hearing,” Edward further mentions.
The Robben Island Crossing is 7.5 km and takes roughly 2 hours 30 min. It will take place during February 2022, date and time to be confirmed closer to the time due to weather restrictions.
The boats will launch from the Oceana Boat Club taking Eddie Tippett (Moving for Sound) and Mark Roach (experienced swimmer) directly to Robben Island. From here they will swim the crossing to Big Bay, Blouberg. Onboard, the boat crew will be a support team to the swimmers. An invitational relay team will swim alongside. Spectators and sponsors are encouraged to meet on Big Bay beach near the Life Saving Club.
All funds raised from this event will be donated to the Hear Us Association. Click here to learn more about the amazing work they do.
“Moving for Sound aims to raise funds for HearUs – A South African Cochlear Implant Association with the first of a series of challenges, the Robben Island Swim. The possibilities these Cochlear Implants provide, give the inspiration to achieve anything a hearing person can. Unfortunately, hearing loss is a reality and can deteriorate including speech over the years,” Edward adds.
“In less than a month – I will be attempting my 2nd Robben Island Crossing with 3 others who all have profound hearing loss. @markroach_za will be attempting his first crossing and the others will be doing it as a relay team. @movingforsound will appreciate your support to help those receive the miracle of hearing,” Edward concludes.
Donations can be made through the @sportforlives platform – link: www.sportforlives.org/…/swim-for-lives-robben…/.
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Picture: Sport For Lives Campaign