World Rivers Day 2024: Crocodile twins seek solace and recovery in river marathon fundraising swim

Two balloons shaped like crocodiles bobbed and weaved along the river Thames in August 2024, attached to twins Georgia and Melissa Laurie so they could remain aware of each other's positions on the eight-mile (13km) charity swim.

An incongruous environment for the inflatable reptiles but in this instance, an emotive reminder of why the British siblings were taking on the challenge at all.

On a holiday of a lifetime in June 2021, the sisters were swimming in a river off the Manialtepec Lagoon in Mexico, to see the famed bioluminescence in an area deemed 'safe' to swim, when Melissa was grabbed by a crocodile.

Georgia repeatedly punched the reptile, which retreated before returning for a terrifying second, and then a third time. Eventually, the crocodile withdrew, and a passing boat rescued the pair.

On World Rivers Day, 22 September 2024, we focus on the two contrasting rivers that have been prominent in that 'adventure of life' experienced by the pair over the past few years, which have taken the duo through the extremes of the trauma of a battle for survival to the "beautiful, cathartic moment" of completing the charity swim together.

"Without the bravery and courage of my amazing twin sister, Georgia, I wouldn’t be here today," Melissa later posted on social media. "She gave me the gift of time I needed to be able to fight for my life until I got to the hospital."

Weaving in and out of consciousness, with injuries including puncture wounds to three vital organs, bite marks on her lower extremities, and a complicated wrist fracture, Melissa does remember her sibling singing to her on the 25-minute boat ride back to shore and the further 20 minutes it took to reach the Hospital Ángel del Mar.

Likely the last thing many of us would want to hear in such a situation would be our siblings warbling in our ear, but thankfully Georgia has a passion for singing and in this instance, was likely one of myriad factors that saved her sister's life.

"The love that radiated from her in that moment played a pivotal role in helping me keep my soul anchored to my body and our unique connection intact," wrote Melissa on the second anniversary of the attack, recalling her sister's "angelic" renditions of Stand By Me, and Three Little Birds, which contains Bob Marley's famous refrain, 'Don't worry, 'bout a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright'.

"I entered this beautiful world with her, and I wasn’t ready to leave her behind and miss out on the adventure of life together," wrote Melissa.

River runs through it

The challenge of the Thames Marathon swim, which, despite taking place between the picturesque rowing meccas of Henley and Marlow to the west of London was still a reminder of the trauma experienced in Mexico, proved a salve in myriad ways.

First, the practicality of raising money for two charities close to their hearts.

PTSD UK, "which we have both suffered the effects of", said Georgia on the pair's JustGiving website page, and a Mexico charity called Compañeros en Salud, which provides training and medical supplies to communities in the southern state of Chiapas.

"Having spent six weeks here prior to the incident, we feel a profound connection to the region and would like to help its people," continued Georgia, who is keenly aware that without the help of the neighbouring state's hospital, her sibling may not have survived.

"Given Chiapas’ status as one of Mexico’s poorest states, our support could significantly impact the lives of those in the most disadvantaged communities. Basic healthcare is a fundamental right for every individual, and it is our aim to facilitate access to it."

Perhaps more surprisingly, the twins are also advocates in supporting conservation efforts to "help protect both crocodiles and the environments they inhabit, ensuring that future generations can witness their majesty", wrote Melissa on World Crocodile Day.

"Since the crocodile attack, many people have asked if we are now scared of them," posted the pair on their crocodiletwins Instagram account on 17 June. "Our answer is no. In fact, our respect for these animals has only deepened. Our profound admiration for these creatures has become a symbol for us; they’ve become our family crest."

The pair, who have matching crocodile-shaped rings on their fingers, have also connected with British naturalist Steve Backshall to raise awareness of crocodile conservation, with the TV presenter commenting on a post written by Melissa on the third anniversary of the attack: "You two are an utter wonder. I’m so lucky to have met you both."

"You're a true icon in conservation, a genuine hero for wildlife," responded Melissa after thanking Backshall for his support. And in a reminder that the opportunity to rib your sibling should be taken at every opportunity, Melissa wrote: "Remember to consider (Georgia) for wildlife security on your next filming expedition. She'll keep you safe!"

Crocodile tears, for real

That humour also emerged despite the whirl of emotions felt during the marathon swim after Melissa accidentally hit her crocodile balloon: "Now we've both punched a crocodile," she laughed.

Last to finish the race, the pair swam the final bit together when it felt like "the river was ours", said Melissa.

Approaching the finish line, everyone started clapping and cheering, with Georgia bursting into tears afterwards.

"I did feel quite emotional," she said. "While I was swimming, I was thinking about how lucky I am, that we were both still alive and able to do this, thinking of the people that were waiting for us and how special that is."

A low funk followed post-challenge, inevitably after the focus required to achieve a demanding goal ebbs, but the twins already have another challenge in mind.

The twins want to go back to Mexico "someday" and complete a swimming challenge there.

But not yet. The word 'someday' revealing much.

"I’ve learnt so much from this experience," said Melissa, "and what I can take away from it are the wise words of Winnie the Pooh…'Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you’ll ever know’."

World Rivers Day, on 22 September 2024, is a day of celebration held on the fourth Sunday of September to highlight the importance of our rivers and promotes active participation to ensure our waterways are protected worldwide. See more here at World Rivers Day.