Every year since 2014 at Brighton Beach in Adelaide, hundreds of women dressed as Marilyn Monroe swim the 400m around the jetty. Yes, you read that right. And between them to date they have raised over $300,000 for Cancer Council SA!
In the run up to the swim itself there are a series of fundraisers, including a ‘soiree’ at Dunluce castle. Yes, there is a castle. In Adelaide. Beside the beach. It’s pretty amazing and confusing, which is a combination I happen to like. I mean, you fill a castle beside the beach in Adelaide with Marilyn impersonators and I’m feeling it.
So despite the fact that I was meant to be in Adelaide purely on holiday, when I was asked to sing at this soiree by a dear old friend of mine (from my other life as a legal secretary in London) I thought to myself, “Well, it’s super random, and it’s for charity – so yes, of course!”
It was a wonderful day of frivolity, and I was very deeply moved and deeply inspired by a speech given by one of the Marilyns who is battling with her own silent killer, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I want to mention this here because this is the least recognised and least researched disease in the world, and many sufferers therefore go through decades of pain and debilitation before they even get a diagnosis, let alone any help in arresting their deterioration. It is a genetic disorder which affects the connective tissue in the body so it can therefore have many symptoms and disabling results, from constantly dislocating joints to cardiovascular issues.
This woman spoke so bravely, and is such a shining light of love and positivity, I honestly feel that meeting with her crystalised for me the reasons why I sing. Her mission in life is to spread awareness about this condition, and so I mention it here.
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/
If you are in Adelaide and you fancy joining in with the fabulous Marilyn Jetty Swim fun, then here is the Registration Page link! You can also donate directly to the Cancer Council. https://www.cancersa.org.au/get-involved/fundraising-events/marilyn-jetty-swim
In the run up to the swim itself there are a series of fundraisers, including a ‘soiree’ at Dunluce castle. Yes, there is a castle. In Adelaide. Beside the beach. It’s pretty amazing and confusing, which is a combination I happen to like. I mean, you fill a castle beside the beach in Adelaide with Marilyn impersonators and I’m feeling it.
So despite the fact that I was meant to be in Adelaide purely on holiday, when I was asked to sing at this soiree by a dear old friend of mine (from my other life as a legal secretary in London) I thought to myself, “Well, it’s super random, and it’s for charity – so yes, of course!”
It was a wonderful day of frivolity, and I was very deeply moved and deeply inspired by a speech given by one of the Marilyns who is battling with her own silent killer, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I want to mention this here because this is the least recognised and least researched disease in the world, and many sufferers therefore go through decades of pain and debilitation before they even get a diagnosis, let alone any help in arresting their deterioration. It is a genetic disorder which affects the connective tissue in the body so it can therefore have many symptoms and disabling results, from constantly dislocating joints to cardiovascular issues.
This woman spoke so bravely, and is such a shining light of love and positivity, I honestly feel that meeting with her crystalised for me the reasons why I sing. Her mission in life is to spread awareness about this condition, and so I mention it here.
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/
If you are in Adelaide and you fancy joining in with the fabulous Marilyn Jetty Swim fun, then here is the Registration Page link! You can also donate directly to the Cancer Council. https://www.cancersa.org.au/get-involved/fundraising-events/marilyn-jetty-swim
