Team Silver Mist: Swimming for a cure in the Rottnest Channel Swim

By Emily Usher | 20 December 2024

When Team Silver Mist signed up for the 2024 Rottnest Channel Swim, they saw it as a chance to take on one of the world’s most iconic open-water challenges. What they hadn’t anticipated was how this swim would also become a powerful way to contribute to advancing cancer research. 

Team Silver Mist (Darcy Gray, Nelson Milner, Tessa Hanson, Tatum Wolmarans, Keegan Chambers, Leo Milner) is fundraising for Cure Cancer at the Rottnest Channel Swim. Image: Supplied

Made up of friends and family, Team Silver Mist will this year take part in the Rottnest Channel Swim. Named after a boat of one of the team members, which is moored at Longreach Bay on Rottnest Island, the team felt the name had a perfect connection to the iconic race, a challenge that takes swimmers across the 19.7-kilometre stretch of water between Cottesloe Beach on the mainland and Rottnest Island.

But for Team Silver Mist, it’s not just about the swim—it's about turning their personal experiences with cancer into a collective effort to advance research into the disease. 

A personal challenge

Team Silver Mist member Darcy with his dad, who passed from cancer. Image: Supplied

Silver Mist team member Darcy Gray says that the decision to take part in the Rottnest swim was born from a desire to challenge themselves physically, but it quickly evolved into something much more meaningful. “When we started talking about the swim, it felt like the right opportunity to take on something big while giving back to a cause that has impacted so many of us," says Darcy. 

For Darcy and many of his teammates, cancer is all too familiar. In 2016, Darcy’s father was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in his adrenal gland. The diagnosis came when Darcy was just 12 years old, and the news was devastating. Darcy's dad, a pillar of strength and positivity, chose to undergo chemotherapy in a bid to shrink the tumour, but despite his best efforts, he passed away from cancer in September 2017. 

“We were hopeful and held onto the belief that he could overcome it. But in the end, the cancer was too aggressive. Losing him still leaves a void that will never be filled,” Darcy says.  

Team Silver Mist member Darcy with his nan, who is living with an aggressive cancer. Image: Supplied

Sadly, the family were dealt a further blow when Darcy’s nana was diagnosed with a similar form of cancer—a fast-growing neuroendocrine tumour in her stomach. With the tumour still not located, the cancer is proving incredibly aggressive. Watching her fight has been heartbreaking for Darcy and his family.  

“I’m watching my Nana go through this battle, and it breaks my heart,” says Darcy. “She’s been incredibly strong, but it’s hard to see her struggle. We’re just trying to stay positive, but cancer is taking a toll on her spirit.” 

Both of Darcy’s grandfathers are also currently living with cancer—one with oesophageal cancer and the other with liver cancer. But while these diagnoses have been a source of emotional strain, they have also sparked a sense of resilience. For Darcy and his family, this swim is more than just an athletic challenge—it’s an opportunity to raise funds that could one day lead to a breakthrough in cancer research, helping future generations avoid the same pain. 

A legacy of hope

Team Silver Mist member Nelson with his nan. Image: Supplied

Nelson Milner, another member of Team Silver Mist, shares a similar story of courage and perseverance in his family. Nelson’s nana was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer in 2018. Given only months to live, she enrolled in a clinical trial for immunotherapy. The treatment gave her a new lease on life, and today she continues to live with cancer, keeping it stable and showing an incredible attitude in the face of adversity. 

“My nana’s story is a testament to the power of hope and new treatments,” says Nelson. “Seeing her courageousness has inspired me, and I’m honoured to contribute to a cause that could one day save more lives.” 

Honouring loved ones and making a difference

Team Silver Mist training for the Rottnest Channel Swim. Image: Supplied

For Team Silver Mist, the Rottnest Channel Swim is a chance to honour the courage and strength of their loved ones. But it’s also about looking towards a future where fewer families will have to endure the heartache of debilitating cancer treatments. 

The team is proud to be participating in the Lavan Charity Challenge, which allows them to raise funds for Cure Cancer. Although the emotional weight of the challenge is not lost on them, it only strengthens their resolve to raise as much money as possible in support of groundbreaking cancer research. 

“We are just so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important cause. The support we’ve received has been amazing, and it’s incredible to see the impact we’re making. We hope that our swim can help fund research that leads to better treatments, early detection, and ultimately, a cure for cancer.” 

- Darcy, Team Silver Mist

As Team Silver Mist prepares for the big swim, they are reminded that every stroke brings them closer to a future where fewer families face the heartache of cancer. And for them, that is the ultimate victory.