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Luke eager to splash out again

Alexander ScottPilbara News
Ree Barrow with Luke Whatley
Camera IconRee Barrow with Luke Whatley Credit: Picture: Alexander Scott

A local quadriplegic who swam 5km last year to celebrate International Day of People with Disability is planning to donate the money raised to charity.

Luke Whatley completed 100 laps of the 50m pool at Karratha Leisureplex last year, with Ree Barrow from Pilbara Admin sponsoring him at $2 a lap, and will donate the $200 to the Kmart Christmas Appeal.

His swim took more than eight hours and was supported by Empowering People in Communities, with the local organisation hosting a barbecue and inviting staff and the community to show their support for him on the day.

Mr Whatley said he did the challenge to go beyond his limits and he planned to take on another swimming challenge this year after he was able to train for about two months.

“I’ll be back training at the Leisureplex every single day,” he said.

“As soon as I get back into training, I plan to smash another big one, and I want to smash my latest record and make it 150 laps.”

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