A 14-year-old schoolboy from Mareeba State High School will brave the elements and the unpredictability of the ocean this Saturday when he attempts to swim 27km from Green Island to Yorkeys Knob to raise funds for the Indie Rose Foundation.

Green Island (originally Dabuukji) is a coral cay 27km offshore from Cairns, located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area.

Inspired by the foundation which exists to help lessen the financial burden on Far North Queensland families with children who are suffering from illnesses, and which require specialised medical treatment away from home, Finnian Weaver will join a select few who have completed this swim and he is also likely to be the youngest.

Finnian’s parents Brad and Susi said it’s been over a year since Indie Rose Taurima lost her battle with cancer.

“Our family, in particular Finn, were inspired by Indie’s story and immediately wanted to find a way to help.”

Indie Rose was a little girl whose story touched a lot of people’s hearts in a small town. Finnian didn’t know her, but because her story was always on the lips of those around him he was quite touched and moved by the story.

“I’m extremely happy with the money I’ve raised for the Indie Rose Foundation,” Finnian said.

“This is why I am doing this. Even if I don’t make it, at least I will have helped some people who really need it. I’m really excited about the swim but also nervous as I haven’t swum this distance before. The furthest is 20km. I’m most excited about finishing and having a long rest. A couple of weeks off training would be nice.”

Another factor that adds to the uniqueness of the feat will be the use of Shark Shield Freedom 7 (see note below), the world’s only independently-tested and proven shark deterrent device, which will protect Finnian from potential sharks.

Lindsay Lyon, Shark Shield Managing Director said: “If Finnian is successful in completing the swim he will be one of only a handful of people to have ever made it and may even be the youngest. We’re proud to be on board to help support him along the way and give his parents some peace of mind.”

Finnian said the Shark Shield Freedom 7 will provide his own piece of mind when he is in the water.

“When I look down in deep water it sometimes freaks me out. I feel so much better having the Shark Shield to keep away the sharks,” he said.

“Even when we used it in training the other day just off the beach it was kind of nice knowing it was there. And mum feels better about me doing it with the Shark Shield.”

Finnian, who is also a Cairns Surf Club lifesaver, is expected to take eight to nine hours to complete the swim.

NOTE: Shark Shield is for professional adventurers. It is the world’s only scientifically proven and independently-tested electrical shark deterrent. Sharks have small short-range electrical receptors in their snouts used for locating food. Shark Shield’s unique three-dimensional electrical waveform turns sharks away by causing unbearable spasms in these sensitive receptors.