Swimming from Europe to Africa

Hola! We are 4 swimmers raising funds for children's cancer treatment in India.

The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the most sought-after open water crossings for swimmers from all over the world. Weather conditions, wind and sea state and currents are crucial to this gruelling swim from Europe to Africa. Due to sea conditions the crossing can be anywhere from 15 to 22 kilometres, potentially anywhere between 4,5 to 7 hours swimming.

About 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in India. The probability of survival is estimated at 15-45%, while in countries with a high per capita income it is 80%. Delays in diagnosis, infrastructure and the myths and taboos surrounding cancer in rural areas hinder solutions to tackle it.

Fundación Vicente Ferrer, an NGO with half a century of experience in rural India, works against this reality with a specific project of integral health care for children diagnosed with cancer and their families. This project facilitates access to holistic treatment of the disease and to the costs of treatment, transport, accommodation and maintenance.

Specifically, this project as part of a wider campaign we are heading up in Spain, will fund the treatment of 42 children diagnosed with cancer, including support for their parents, who live in the most vulnerable rural communities of Anantapur.