Epic shark cage swim to aid Aids orphans

Six students will brave the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean in a protective shark cage during an epic 100km relay swim around the Peninsula in aid of Aids orphans.

The six University of Cape Town students tested the cage at Hout Bay Harbour on Thursday for their swim from the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay to the V&A Waterfront on Monday.

The effort is in aid of the Starfish Greathearts Foundation that delivers care to Aids orphans.

The students will swim inside the steel-and-netting cage which is suspended from two dinghies and pulled by a boat.

Nicholas Marshall, 21, Paul Barron, 23, Gavin Netley, 23, Kristi Jooste, 21, Sarah Matthews, 18, Juliette Ball, 20, and Ram Barkai, 50, will swim the relay for about 36 hours wearing only a swimming costume and a swimming cap.

Matthews, of Rondebosch, said she expected the swim to be "loads of fun".

"It's for a good cause."

Starfish Foundation CEO Tracey Webster said the swimmers had chosen "a tough challenge".

"Not only is the water freezing, and the distance great, but the threat of sharks is an additional obstacle."

# Donations to the Starfish Greathearts Foundation can be sent via SMS to 30855 or at www.starfishcharity.org

Source: www.iol.co.za