In 2018, Tom Swartz championed Survivor SA when he won 10 challenges over 39 days in the wild.
At that time, he described himself as “mildly deranged” and although much has changed for Tom, he remains focused and views life as a rollercoaster.
Since Survivor SA, he has kept busy and says that he is more active now than ever before, with titles like executive committee member of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), board member of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) South Africa, sales and marketing for Bell Equipment and chairman of his Neighborhood Watch program, to name but a few.
Much of his attention has been directed towards his community, ensuring their safety and also giving motivational talks at businesses, schools and social clubs.
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Unassumingly he he has dedicated much of his time and energy to mowing lawns for the elderly in his community.
“I’ve always enjoyed mowing lawns,” says Tom. “It always gave me a small measure of achievement when it’s done, looking neat and tidy. “It was something I could do with ease. Helping an elderly lady that could not do it herself or could not afford to have it done made me feel better about myself. Isn’t that always the case?”
Image credit: Tom Swartz (Facebook)
At this time, Tom takes care of 14 pavement verge lawns and has even encouraged some neighbours to join him.
“Top of the pops would be the day I opened up the roller door to our yard and saw 4 neighbours waving their rakes and black bags to help with the tidying up – that was very special,” recalls Tom.
Tom’s advice? “Just keep at it […] Just do what you do, [and] leave the rest. Those that get inspired to assist, in whichever way they can, make you very grateful and proud. Leave it at that.”
Tom is inspired and inspiring, teaching us that life doesn’t have to stop when we attain a certain level of success and we definitely don’t have to remain boxed into what we were once known as. The world is our oyster and Tom is living proof of that.
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Featured Image: Getty Images
