Login
Login

Charlee Free

Every Lap for Hope & Healing

  • This is my first year diving

  • in for youth mental health

Hi, I’m Charlee Free. 

Did you know that suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in Australia? That heartbreaking reality is why I’m participating in Laps for Life this March — to raise awareness and funds to ensure young people have the mental health support they urgently need.

This cause is deeply personal to me. I’ve faced my own mental health struggles, and I know many others who have too. But this year, I'm especially swimming in memory of my friend Bailey Cooper, who we lost last year. I want to honor her beautiful spirit and help others find hope and healing.

By sponsoring my challenge, you'll be helping prevent youth suicide and provide critical mental health resources for young Australians. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Lap 'til You Drop

The month is almost over, and I’m nearly at the finish line—just 70 laps away from completing my 2km!


Swimming… barely, but swimming.

I’ll be honest—I’m not exactly a strong swimmer. It’s not that I don’t like it (I actually enjoy it), but let’s just say my technique leans heavily towards the doggy paddle. Not exactly Olympic material, but I’m out there giving it a go. And truthfully, that’s part of why I signed up—to push myself, even when it’s not easy.

But honestly, the reason I keep pushing through is because of all of you. Every single donation, message, and support has kept me moving—especially on the days when my arms feel like they might fall off.

I don’t want to let anyone down—most of all, not for my friend who I’m doing this for, or the young people who are fighting their own battles and need to know there’s light ahead. 

There’s a quote I’ve had in mind throughout: 

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to swim.”

Even if it’s just doggy paddling, I’ll keep going. Also, the photo attached is one I took underwater—proof that I’m really in there, even if most of the time I’m just trying not to inhale half the pool. 

Thank you all so much. You’re making a real difference.

Happy 18th, Bailey.

Happy 18th, Bailey. I’ve known you since you were in Year 7 and i was in Year 8, back when we were just kids who thought we had all the time in the world. 

But time is cruel, and somehow, I’m here writing this while you stay forever 17. You should be here. You should be celebrating, getting your tattoos like you always wanted, making questionable life choices that we’d laugh about later. 


You should be growing up. 


Bailey, you were never just another person in the crowd—you were the kind of friend who left a mark, who made people feel seen. Your laugh could turn the worst day around, and your presence was something that couldn’t be ignored.


 I still hear it sometimes, still see you in little moments—a song, a joke, the way the sky looks just before sunset. Eighteen is a milestone you were robbed of, but that doesn’t mean we won’t celebrate you today. 


So, if you’re reading this, do something in Bailey’s honor. Laugh too hard. Dance like an idiot. Get that tattoo you’ve been thinking about. And above all, tell the people in your life that you love them. Because if Bailey taught me anything, it’s that love should never be left unsaid. I miss you every damn day, Bails. But today, I’ll celebrate you too. Forever 17. Forever my friend.

 

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$921

My Goal

$1,017

Select amount to donate

$52
$89
$128
$245
$245
$540
$756
$1000
$
Donate

My Swim Progress

I've swum

2.00km (285 laps)

My Goal

2km

How do you compare to other participants?

Average Distance Swum: 9m

Average Distance Goal: 16KM

My Impact

So far this year I helped provide...

230

Young people with vital mental health support.

Fundraising Progress

Raised

$921

My Goal

$1,017

So far, you’ve raised 91% of your fundraising goal!

Raised

$1629

My Team Goal

$1,700

So far, you’ve raised 96% of your fundraising goal!

Raised

$3,658,642

All Goal

$3,600,000

So far, you’ve raised 102% of your fundraising goal!

My Team Members

Team Member

Charlee Free (C)

Raised so far:

$921.14

Team Member

Tannar

Raised so far:

$581.77

Thank you to my Sponsors

$135.04

Bailey's mum

You are such a beautiful soul Charlee! Thank you for doing this in memory of Bailey! We miss her so very much! #Forvere17

$106.12

Renee Rugless

A worthy cause Charlee, well done :)

$94.86

Kevin O'Brian

$56.24

Jason Johnson

Yyyeewwww

$56.24

Tiaana Keating

You are an inspiration Charlee! You’ve got this ☺️

$56.24

Kim Odgers

This hits home on a very personal level, good luck on your fundraising journey and making people more aware of mental health issues.

$56.24

Kea Kelly

$54.99

Rebecca Mcgillivray

💞 my beautiful niece xx

$54.12

Anonymous

$52

Mo

Keep going Charlee, proud of ya!

$27.81

Tracey Jones

Proud of you Charlee 👏 🥰

$25

Rebecca Jayatilaka

$24.70

Keith Free

Awesome job sweetheart 🙌🏼 Can’t afford much at the moment but I donated my other favourite number $22 Your birthday number hope it helps 🫶🏼❤️❤️🫶🏼

$22.58

Keiko Altmann

🫶🏻

$22.58

Jacquie Jones

Great cause Charlee!

$22.58

Bec Butler Everett

Good work babe xx

$20

Anonymous

$20

Matched by Reef Shark Foundation

$9.48

Anonymous

$2.16

F.C

$2.16

Matched by Reef Shark Foundation