Relay Mermaids Smash Fundraising Goal with Epic Swim for Injured Teen

Photo Credit: Caleb Bjergfelt

With a mission as vast as the ocean they crossed, Shoneé, Katherine, Eva, and Georgina proved that when compassion meets courage, even the coldest waters can’t stop the determination to change a young life in need of all the support.

Cape Town, South Africa (05 March 2026) – After waiting over a month for the perfect conditions to embark on their 72-kilometre relay swim from Fish Hoek to Hout Bay, the Relay Mermaids finally dove into the chilly Atlantic last week – pushing through the elements, navigating the currents of the False Bay side and rounding the legendary Cape Point to reach the finish line.

“What began as a waiting game on 6th January finally became a reality on 26th February when, with just two days’ notice, we were given the green light for our fundraising swim. Everything depended on the right conditions, and we could not have been more blessed,” shares one of the swimmers, Shoneé Cornelissen.

The temperature was tolerable, and the waters lay mostly flat with only a gentle swell. However, nothing could have prepared the mermaids for the night swim around Cape Point.

“That stretch was the most daunting. The lighthouse beam kept circling in front of us, as if we were swimming endlessly toward a light we could never quite pass,” Shoneé recalls.

The darkness, fatigue, nausea and looming jellyfish put up quite a fight, but these mermaids knew exactly who they were swimming for, and that made all the difference in keeping the momentum going. After 24 gruelling hours in the water, they did it! A feat Georgina Smith says affirms would never have been possible without strong “teamship” and honesty with one another.

Katherine Persson confirmed that the relay swim was in accordance with channel rules to be ratified by the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association as an official swim.

As shared in our previous feature ahead of the event, the swim was dedicated to raising funds for 14-year-old Leandro Jantjies. A talented rugby player whose life was irrevocably changed when he broke his neck playing rugby. He’s now a recipient of The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, which is providing lifelong physical, emotional, and financial support.

The R160,000 fundraising goal was already surpassed before the ladies even dove into the notoriously chilly ocean, with generous contributions amounting to an incredible R283,828!

“A BIG thank you to everyone who has helped the #relaymermaids to reach our funding target! All your generous contributions go to Leandro and to getting him back home to his family,” Katherine said.

Shoneé also thanked every person, business and community that rallied behind them, making the entire effort worthwhile.

“To our friends, family, and the broader community, thank you for following every tide and turn of this journey. Your encouragement carried us, and your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the life of Leandro and his family. We are deeply, deeply grateful.”

These amazing mermaids have once again proven that when compassion meets courage, life-changing things happen. We’re so proud of what they have achieved!