A Romanian teenager living in the UK is turning every length of the pool into an act of love for his younger brother.
For 50 consecutive days, 16-year-old Mihai Rotaru will swim one mile every day to raise funds towards adapting his family’s home and to help raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, also known as DMD.
A challenge inspired by his younger brother
Behind every sporting challenge, there is usually a reason. For Mihai Rotaru, a Romanian teenager living with his family in Rugeley, Staffordshire, that reason has a name: Andrei.
His younger brother, who is 11 years old, lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and affects a child’s mobility as they grow.
Mihai knows he cannot change his brother’s diagnosis. But he has decided to do what he can. His challenge is simple, demanding and deeply personal: to swim one mile every day for 50 days.
That means around 65 lengths of the pool each day and more than 3,200 lengths by the end of the campaign.
“I cannot change my brother’s diagnosis and I cannot stop the progression of the condition. But I can use my own strength to help him be ready for the challenges ahead,” says Mihai.
Support Mihai Rotaru’s campaign on GoFundMe:
https://gofund.me/bd26f7b62
Adapting the family home for Andrei’s future
As Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy progresses, movement becomes increasingly difficult. For many families, adapting the home becomes essential.
The Rotaru family hopes to convert their garage into a fully accessible bedroom and living space on the ground floor. This would allow Andrei to keep as much independence as possible and give him a safer environment when using the stairs becomes too difficult.
The estimated cost of the project is around £80,000. The family is exploring all available support options, including a home adaptation grant and help from charities. Even with that support, a significant amount still needs to be raised through family resources and donations.
More than a fundraising campaign
For Mihai, this challenge is about more than raising money.
Every day in the pool is also a chance to speak about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a condition many people have heard very little about, but one that can completely change the lives of children and their families.
While many teenagers are spending their summer break with friends, Mihai has committed himself to the same routine every day, without exception. Each length of the pool is dedicated to his brother and to the future he wants to help make a little easier for him.
This is not just a swimming challenge. It is a brother showing up, one mile at a time.
A Romanian family determined not to give up
The Rotaru family has lived in the UK since 2015, but their connection to Romania remains strong.
This is why Mihai and Andrei’s parents wanted to share their story with the Romanian community as well, hoping their message will reach as many people as possible.
They are not only asking for donations. Sharing the campaign is just as important, because it helps more people learn about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and about Mihai’s 50-mile challenge for his brother.
“If you cannot donate, sharing our story means so much. Every person who learns about this condition and about Mihai’s challenge helps us get closer to our goal.”
How to support Mihai
Throughout the 50 days, Mihai will share updates on his progress and each stage of the challenge.
Anyone who would like to learn more, donate or help spread the word can follow the campaign online and visit the fundraising page, where the family’s story, target and progress are shared.
Sometimes, a simple act can carry a powerful message. For Mihai Rotaru, every length of the pool means hope for his brother Andrei and one more step towards a home adapted for the future.
Those who would like to support the campaign can donate or share Mihai’s story.
Official page:
Mihai’s 50 Mile Challenge for Andrei
Fundraising page:
https://gofund.me/bd26f7b62
Facebook video:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LjMD2BAPj/
YouTube Shorts:
https://youtube.com/shorts/gL2ShBoqF2o
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@miihaii16/video/7653209768022019350
