In recognition of her fundraising efforts, eight year old Heidi Duffey from Tilligerry Stingray Swimming Club was presented with a prize from the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia.

Heidi participated in the UNCLE TOBYS® Big Splash Swimathon held at Tilligerry Aquatic Centre at the end of February and raised $760. This achievement names her the NSW State Award Winner for the Highest Value Individual Fundraiser.

Royal Life Saving's NSW Hunter Regional Manager, Matt Sharman presented Heidi with a Sony PSP™, Big Splash Prize Pack and Certificate at the Lakeside Leisure Centre on Tuesday 1 June.

"Funds raised will support the Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive Child Drowning Prevention Strategy which aims to increase swimming and water safety awareness, access, employment pathways and research into the causes of child drowning", Mr Sharman said.

"Financially disadvantaged children from the area will be enrolled in Swim and Survive classes as they strategy is rolled out nationally".
 
"Child drowning is still the leading cause of accidental death in children in Australia, with 50 children aged 0-15 drowning in the past year. Teaching children swimming and water safety skills can help protect young lives now and into their future".

UNCLE TOBYS® is proudly working together with the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia to help make a difference and change these statistics. Over the next three years UNCLE TOBYS® will donate over $500,000 to Royal Life Saving Society - Australia to help provide thousands of Australian children with the opportunity to learn to Swim and Survive and raise the importance of water safety with parents.

Eamon Sullivan, Olympic Swimmer and UNCLE TOBYS® Ambassador became the first Celebrity MasterChef in November 2009 donating his $50,000 charity prize money to the Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive Child Drowning Prevention Strategy.

For more information on donating to the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, telephone (02) 8217 3111 or go to www.royallifesaving.com.au/supportus.