Harbour Crossing: Final plunge in ocean of challenges

Sarah Williams hopes to end 2010 on a high. Photo / Natalie Slade

Pediatrics nurse and mother-of-two Sarah Williams wants to end 2010 on a high note.

The avid swimmer underwent radiotherapy earlier this year after she found she had a benign but inoperable brain tumour. Ms Williams previously had a tumour removed in 2002.

"It knocked me about. You go into survival mode to get through it, then at the end you are left to pick up with life," said Ms Williams.

Ms Williams, who to her doctor's dismay continued swimming even as she underwent radiotherapy, is trying to raise awareness for the Sweet Louise charity. The charity provides support and services, such as assistance with childcare and transport, for women with advanced breast-cancer.

Radiotherapy wasn't the only obstacle Ms Williams has had to overcome to take part in tomorrow's race.

"The challenge has been psychological. I've only been in the sea four times and swimming in there once," she said.

She confesses she does not want to see what is below when she is swimming tomorrow but luckily for her the Auckland Harbour is rarely crystal-clear.

Ms Williams is also determined to complete the 2.8km race without flippers, which she managed to do in a simulation race she took part in last weekend. "I managed to complete it but I could barely walk afterwards".

Training for the race has given her a focus after what has been a challenging year. She hopes she will be able to look back on 2010 as the year she finally took part in a swimming event.

Ms Williams' 13-year-old daughter Bella, who is a junior competitive swimmer, will accompany her in tomorrow's race.