Hayley Easton

This March, I’m taking part in Laps for Life to support youth suicide prevention — a cause that is very close to my heart. During my high school years, I lost friends to suicide, and their loss has stayed with me. Today, I swim to honour their lives and to help ensure that other young people receive the support they need. Youth suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young Australians, with many teenagers experiencing significant mental health challenges. These statistics are confronting, but they also remind us why prevention, awareness and early support are so important. By taking part in Laps for Life, we are choosing hope. Every lap represents connection, compassion and the belief that no young person should feel alone. If you’re able to donate today, your support will directly help fund vital youth mental health and suicide prevention programs. Even a small contribution can make a real difference — and together, those donations help turn awareness into action and give young people the chance to see a brighter future.