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Marielle Fritsch took part in the cross-channel Paradise Island Swim, swimming the 5km from Guernsey to Herm to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity.
Marielle, who is a Tax Consultant in Deloitte’s Guernsey team, raised £1,420 for the charity, who offered her family help and support when Marielle’s niece was diagnosed with a brain tumour at four years old.
The Brain Tumour Charity is one of the world’s leading charities, and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. They are set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change.
Marielle says she “practically grew up in a swimming pool” in South Africa and used to represent her country in her younger years.
“However, in 2008 I decided to give up swimming and focus on my career. In September 2020 a friend of mine encouraged me to take part in the Castle Swim in Guernsey and it was during this event that I regained my love for the water, albeit this time in the sea and not in the pool.
“I heard about the Herm swim from my sister-in-law and decided that would be my goal for 2021. I have always felt extremely comfortable in the water but have never faced the challenge of a long open water swim.
“Given everything going on in the world I thought it would be beneficial for me both mentally and physically to have something to focus on and train for. I’m incredibly grateful to Deloitte for allowing me to achieve a healthy work-life balance, doing two things I love.”
Marielle started training for the swim in January, and despite the second lockdown halting some of her training sessions, she was back training as soon as she was able. She began open water swimming in May, swimming at 6.30am every Wednesday morning.
Balancing training with a family and a career is no easy feat. Marielle starts her day at 5.30am, exercising before her son wakes up for school and then her working day begins.
Marielle said: “My training at a younger age taught me invaluable time management skills and I am able to prioritise when needed. I know what my workload is and when I need to complete certain tasks by. I ensure that when I am working, I am working 100%, when I am training, I am focused 100% and when I am with my son, I have no other distractions.”
Jo Huxtable, Partner at Deloitte in Guernsey added: “We are so proud of Marielle for completing her swim, and we are honoured to have been able to support her through this journey.
“She is a fantastic role model to us all. As a team, we have contributed to raising money for her swim and for such a worthy organisation.”
