Forth Flippers

I’m Swimming Because of those that no longer can...

I met a young bloke.

Bright. Quirky. Clever.
Into theatre, acting, audio-visual stuff — the kind of kid who just soaks things up because he’s curious about the world.

He was still in high school when I asked him to be stage manager for an event I was running. I barely knew him.
He was chuffed. Quietly proud. Absolutely nailed it.

From the first G'day , I could see it  that spark. That something.
The sort of young man you who I would choose using again and again on any future projects. The sort of kid who makes you smile just being around him.

Three years later, He took his own life.

I hadn’t known him long. I hadn’t seen him that  often in between.
But when the news hit, it floored me.

I’m a 53-year-old Australian bloke. I’m meant to be tough. It nailed me.... 
My eyes leaked. My guts ached. And the question just sat there ..... heavy and dark,

Why?
How does someone so bright, so full of promise, end up feeling like this world is better without them?

I was devastated for his mum and dad.
For his family.
For his friends.
For a future that never got the chance to happen.

I don’t understand it.
I probably never will.

But I do know this .. doing nothing is not an option.

So I’m swimming.

I’m swimming laps for Seth.
I’m swimming for the kids who don’t say a word.
I’m swimming for the families left behind asking the same questions.
And I’m swimming to help fund research, support, and understanding for those who find themselves in that dark place where ending life feels like the answer.

I’ve set a target of $2,000.

But honestly?
I want to blow that out of the water.
I want $10,000.

Because if a few laps, a bit of sweat, and some honest conversation can help even one person , or one family , then it matters.

If you can spare some pocket change, or more, please jump on board.
Every dollar helps. Every share helps. Every lap helps.

We can’t bring anyone back.
But we can damn well try to make the path clearer for the next bright young soul.

Thank you for reading.
Thank you for caring.
And thank you for helping me turn grief into action.

Hooch