Ceinwen Roberts with James Anderson and his children Mimi (4), who has leukaemia, and Patrick (3).
Camera IconCeinwen Roberts with James Anderson and his children Mimi (4), who has leukaemia, and Patrick (3). Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie        www.communitypix.com.au d445114

Swimmers to tough it out for Mimi in North Cottesloe Coldwater Classic

Caitlin TillerWestern Suburbs Weekly

Mr Anderson said it was “horrendous” when Mimi, now four, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May last year, but her treatment was going well.

“She had six months of very intensive steroidal chemotherapy and we’re at Princess Margaret Hospital twice a month now,” Mr Anderson said.

“Sometimes Vic and I have patches where we think there is nothing good about this at all, but then other days we think there are some good things; you learn a lot about yourself and there is incredible generosity.”

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Mr Anderson said the Leukaemia Foundation had been “amazing”.

“If you can get the money and awareness, you can get the research and with research comes results,” he said.

A friend of the Andersons, swimmer Ceinwen Roberts, said Mimi inspired her to organise the North Cottesloe Coldwater Classic.

In the event’s second year, swimmers will compete for the Mimi Anderson Cup on Saturday in a 1.8km swim to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

“Mimi is gorgeous, she loves the ballet, she’s very happy and so tough,” Ms Roberts said.

“Kids tend to get on with it rather than play the victim. It’s inspiring.”

Mt Claremont resident Ms Roberts was one of the first swimmers to complete the triple Rottnest crossing in 2013.

“We started at Rotto at midnight and it was 19 hours of swimming,” Ms Roberts said.

“I had to train my brain not to think about sharks and enjoy the incredible opportunity to swim under the stars.”

Ms Roberts said she was hoping 200 swimmers would register for the Coldwater Classic to raise $40,000.

To donate, visit www.mycause.com.au/events/northcottesloecoldwaterclassic