Emma Pritchard

She has already set herself plenty of goals to achieve in the pool, but this year Clarence Valley swimming sensation Andrea Thomson is also focusing on making a splash for charity.

Throughout October, the 16-year-old from Grafton is participating in Oceans to Outback, a nationwide fundraiser which supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

Over 31 days, Andrea is aiming to complete 100km by incorporating her regular training sessions in the pool along with running an additional 5km each Wednesday with the Bent Bridge Run Club, and hitting her target of $1000 for the not-for-profit organisation which provides life-saving medical services and emergency support to Australians in rural and remote parts of the country.

Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent last week, Andrea said she felt inspired to not only raise funds for the RFDS, but to also raise awareness of the invaluable work they do.

“It’s very important to have the RFDS because lots of people who live in outback Australia are on average up to eight hours away from the nearest hospital, and they don’t have access to medical necessities if something goes wrong,” she explained.

“They do such an amazing job to help people and to help save lives by transporting them so they can receive medical treatment.

“I also think the RFDS doesn’t receive a lot of fundraising compared to other organisations, and I want to help change that.

“Every little bit I raise will go directly towards helping the people who rely on this important service.”

While most participants in Oceans to Outback have the option of running, walking, or riding (cycling) over a nominated distance to raise funds for the RFDS, Andrea said she wanted to do what she loves the most, swimming.

“I asked the organisers if I could swim, and they said yes,” she revealed.

“My training has been going really well.

“Over the past month or so I’ve really been pushing it, and my fitness is getting a lot better.

“I train four times a week in Grafton and twice a week in Coffs Harbour, and I usually swim upwards of 25km each week.

“I want to do as much as I can for the RFDS, and I’d like to encourage everyone to please visit my page at www.oceanstooutback.org.au/fundraisers/andreathomson/oceans-to-outback and help support them.”

At the time of publication, Andrea, along with 10417 other participants in Oceans to Outback, had already helped to raise more than $560000.