Aneurysm survivor and shire CEO take the plunge

Two familiar faces will be among the swimmers making a splash in the Harvey Open Water Series event scheduled for next February.

Harvey shire chief executive Annie Riordan and inspirational aneurysm survivor Targe Hough will both be diving into the deep end for the Harvey Dam Swim.

They have both competed in the swim previously and said it was a great way to keep fit and have fun.

When Mrs Riordan is not busy running the shire, she can be found in her jogging shoes tackling marathons and triathlons.

She has previously participated in the Half Iron Man challenge and said she would be using the great pool facilities within the shire to train for February’s swim.

Mrs Riordan said she wanted to encourage more people to sign up and support local events.

However, the CEO is not the only one conquering fitness goals and personal milestones.

Harvey resident Targe Hough has shocked the entire town with his sheer determination and willingness to one-day surf again.

Despite being told he would never walk again, Mr Hough re-learnt how to talk, walk and swim and has committed to swimming 2.5km by February.

The aspiring surfer was working in Geraldton in 2019 when he suffered a catastrophic brain aneurysm.

He was flown to hospital and put into a coma for three days but showed no sign of life.

After almost three weeks on life support, his heartbroken family decided it was time to say goodbye.

Just before they were about to switch off his life support, Mr Hough woke up.

It has been 18 months since his aneurysm, but the bright and bubbly 22-year-old refuses to let life get the better of him.

He said he was going to give the 2.5km swim his best crack and said it was important to appreciate the small things in life.

I am so lucky to be alive and very grateful for the small things.

“The rehabilitation is tough and they said I would never walk again, but I’ve come a long way with the support of my family and friends.”

Mr Hough not only hopes to be swimming the full distance early next year, but also plans to start university.

He challenged other residents from the region to put their hands up and sign up for the swim.