Fourteen and doing us proud!

Fourteen and doing us proud!

Gold Coast teen swims for a cause. Here, he shares his passions, hopes and joy.

Maxwell Allport, a fourteen-year-old from the Gold Coast has put his heart on his sleeve and will be swimming for a cause this May. Here, he shares his passions, hopes and joy.

I am fourteen years old, born and raised on the Gold Coast. Ocean swimming and surf lifesaving are my passions.

I am currently a volunteer patrol member, and part of the Palm Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and enjoy giving back to my community.

I am working hard at my studies in the hopes to be fortunate enough to study Medical Laboratory Science. Who knows, one day I may be part of a research team working towards cures for childhood cancer!

I guess you could say that jumping on board to raise money for The Kids’ Cancer Project was a perfect pairing with my own ambitions to succeed in ocean swimming.

I have done a few swims with World Series Swims, the last being Bondi to Bronte, but this time have signed up for the longer 3km swim, in preparation for the QLD Open Water Swimming titles coming up in October where I plan on competing in the 5km swim. I mean, what better way to give back, especially when I am gaining so much!

Cancer and cancer awareness have always been a part of my life and upbringing.

My mom spent half her life in hospital due to a bone disease. Initially they thought it was bone cancer but it turned out to be non-cancerous tumours. Then, when I was three-years-old, she was diagnosed with leukaemia.

From a very early age, we discussed the sadness that cancer can cause but also what a blessing it could be, and my parents have always encouraged myself and my siblings to turn negatives into positives. They also have reminded us that little gestures from many, turn into grand gestures - that we can make a difference in the world in which we live.

I am absolutely blown away by the support of all my family and friends in their willingness to support not only myself, but also The Kids’ Cancer Project. They too, are aware that childhood cancer touches so many lives, and we must never ever stop trying to find a cure.

There is plenty that can be done to make the journey of those who suffer a little bit more bearable. Ultimately, this is why I chose to try to make a little difference.

I had no idea that I would raise close to $1,000. It is absolutely amazing and has exceeded my expectations. I am training hard and looking forward to 13 May [Gold Coast Cooly Classic]. I am honoured to swim on behalf of all those who donated to The Kids’ Cancer Project and I hope I will make them proud.