Why I swim
This coming March, I’ll be taking part in Laps for Life, a fundraising initiative focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. I originally took up swimming to build my fitness and get back into scuba diving, but it’s become so much more than that. Swimming has given me something to look forward to in the mornings, even on the days that I don’t want to get out of bed. It clears my mind, grounds me, and leaves me with a quiet sense of achievement that carries into the rest of my day. This cause is especially close to my heart as last year, our family experienced the devastating loss of a young loved one to suicide. The impact of losing Kiara so young stays with you forever. 🤍 The unanswered questions, the grief, and the wish that more support had been available, it stays with you and the family for a lifetime. By taking part in Laps for Life, I hope to contribute in a small way to the important work being done to support young people, raise awareness, and help prevent future loss. I completely understand that not everyone is in a position to donate, and that’s absolutely okay! 😊 If you are able to contribute, any donation big or small would be deeply appreciated and will go toward life-saving programs. If donating isn’t possible, the biggest way you can support me in this journey is by educating yourself about the mental health support services available, checking in on the people you care about, and being open to the idea that simply listening or reaching out could make a difference, and potentially save a life. 🩵 Thank you in advance for your support, kindness, and compassion. Every lap I swim is for clarity, connection, and hope. 💙✨
I'm swimming to save lives
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people in Australia.
More than 1 in 3 are experiencing mental health difficulties, yet over a million are not getting the support they need.
ReachOut provides anonymous, free and 100% online services so young people can find a safe place to connect, share and get help when life feels overwhelming.
I’m taking part in Laps for Life to make sure these vital services are always there. Please donate to my fundraiser and help more young people get the support they deserve.
My Swim Progress
Completed
23.29km (1,073 laps)
My goal
20km
My Impact
So far I’ve raised $1,700 to provided 424.89 young people experiencing mental health difficulties with vital support.
Top Donation
$150
Chantelle Lay
Shoutout to Chantelle Lay – my biggest supporter so far with a $150 donation to help young people get the mental health support they need through ReachOut!
Funds Raised
Note: displays max previous 3 years of fundraising only
Thank you to my
supporters
$150
Chantelle Lay
$106.12
Anonymous
:)
$106.12
Prisca
Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming! 🐟
$106.12
Bestie
Bestie you are such an inspiration. I am so proud of you for swimming for such an important course. Well done 👍♥️
$100
Sofia Wilson
Well done. You got this girl
$94.86
Anonymous
Get swimming bitch
$56.24
Xina Boubaris
$56.24
Anonymous
Great work so far Annie x
$56.24
Jo Leonard
$56.24
Anonymous
Good on ya Ann
$56.24
Anonymous
$54.12
Matty B
Go you little ripper. Proud of your progress and advocating for youths to have access to much needed support.
$54.12
Tricia
Great job Ann & a very worthy cause.
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Furong Z
What you’re doing is truly beautiful. Wishing you all the best with your swimming journey—every lap makes a difference.
$54.12
Marlene D
Well done, my dear young lady. It has truly been such a pleasure meeting you at the pool and watching you grow stronger and more confident with each passing visit. You should be ever so proud of yourself. I wish you all the very best with your fundraising efforts; you are doing something quite wonderful. With warm regards, Marlene
$52.88
Aaron Nichols
So awesome to see what your doing to raise awareness. Keep it up!
$38.33
Kylie S
Well done Ann, big effort so far. Keep going
$33.15
Anonymous
Keep up the great work!
$33.15
Sam
Well done!
$33.15
Anonymous
Go Ann thank you xx
$30
T D
You go girl, you flap those flaps and do those laps ;)
$27.81
Anonymous
$27.81
Anonymous
Well done babe, should be proud of yourself x
$27.81
Matched by The GPT Group
$27.81
Hayley M
Deadset legend ✊🏼 so sorry your family dealt with such a loss. Good on you for spreading awareness and keeping her legacy alive
$22.58
Teagan
You smashed it, so proud of you!
$22.58
Anonymous
$22.58
Danielle Abela
$22.58
Anonymous
Keep going Anne, you’ve got this.
$22.58
Anonymous
$22.58
Kaylyn & Jamie Siebert
Love you heaps aunty Ann keep up the good work 💜
$17.16
Anonymous
Well done Anne
Amazing effort and peserverance, Ann. Love your cause and advocacy. I can't wait for you to reach the finish line!! Go Ann!!!