Why I swim
Thank you for stopping by. If you don't know me, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Bernie and I am a mum of 5, wife, friend, co-worker, lover of theater, arts, and a coffee drinker. I also lost my 14 year old son Miles to suicide in May 2025. He was much loved by his family, friends and community. The loss of Miles devastated us all and the effects of his actions is still felt heavy. Not a day goes by where I wish he was still with us. I decided to do this fund-raiser not only to strike a conversation and tell you how amazing he was, but also raise some awareness in other platforms that may help you, your family, friends or other community members. If you can donate anything at all, big or small, please do. If not, please share this with your close ones.
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
7.40km (0 lap)
My goal
6km
My Impact
So far I’ve raised $1,272 to provided 318.015 young people experiencing mental health difficulties with vital support.
Top Donation
$250
Trevor and Kain💪❤️
Shoutout to Trevor and Kain💪❤️ – my biggest supporter so far with a $250 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
$250.04
Trevor and Kain💪❤️
$106.12
Cassie Thompson
$100
Neil
$64.67
Ava Larney
5 year old Ava told me "Miles is amazing and people at school don't understand him... thats why he gets sad and angry in the class." Well done Bernie, you are so incredible in so many ways. Sending so much love your way. ❤️
$56.24
Georgina Ker
For Miles <3 and your whole family.
$56.24
Susi
You go, girl!
$56.24
Chez
Sent with love ❤️
$56.24
Leonie Delaney
Love this! as we spoke yesterday one of the keys is awareness it “aint weak to speak” go you x
$54.12
Anonymous
Love you xx
$54.12
Mum and Dad
We love you sweetheart
$54.12
Lucy milner
$54.12
Melissa Buck
$52.92
Melissa Bartlett
Donated for Myles memory on behalf of myself,my daughter and Kevin ❤️
$50
Anonymous
$43.60
Anonymous
$27.81
Jess
$22.58
Mandy Cadman
Bright, brilliant Sunshine. Keep shining Bernie. For Miles ❤️
$22.58
Lauren M
$20
Michaela
Lots of love xx
$20
kaleah thompson
always thinking about you guys. our family love you and your family loads xx
$20
Gavin Stanley
$11.65
Anonymous
We don’t know each other but I’m no stranger to suicide and child mental health. I’m so sorry for your loss and thank you for starting such an important conversation.
$11.65
Natalie White
From Jacob Myles best friend
$7
Anonymous
Here’s a little bit to help you reach your goal. I hope the swim invigorates you I pray it helps you heal. May the water be cold, may the weather be favourable and may the light shine and guide your way. Great stuff Bernie rack up some k’s. ❤️ Trevor and Karin.