Why I swim
This March I’m swimming 25km because too many young people feel like they have nowhere to turn when life becomes overwhelming. Mental health is something I’ve faced in my own life, and that experience is why this matters so much to me. I know how heavy things can feel, and I want other young people to have support, understanding, and a safe place to reach out. Every lap I swim is for hope, connection, and reminding someone that they don’t have to face it alone.
My Swim Progress
Completed
22.60km (452 laps)
My goal
25km
My Impact
So far I’ve raised $2,821 to provided 705.3425 young people experiencing mental health difficulties with vital support.
Top Donation
$422
Anonymous
Shoutout to Anonymous – my biggest supporter so far with a $422 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
My Updates
Finding my flow again 🏊♀️
Today’s swim felt like a quiet reset. I didn’t go into it chasing distance or speed - I just wanted to move, to show up, and to keep the momentum going. And somewhere between the first few laps and the last, I found that steady rhythm again. 1.1km might not be my longest swim lately, but it felt honest. Consistent. Grounded. My body worked with me, not against me, and I let myself settle into that instead of pushing too hard. There’s something about these mid-range swims that remind me why I started this challenge in the first place. It’s not always about smashing goals - it’s about building something sustainable, something that lasts beyond just one good session. Each lap is adding up. Each swim is getting me closer. And honestly… I’m starting to feel even stronger! 💪🏊🏼♀️ Share
So close i can feel it 🌊
I can’t believe how close I am to finishing this challenge now. It’s starting to feel real — not just something I signed up for, but something I’ve actually shown up for, day after day. There’s a mix of excitement and pride, but also a bit of disbelief at how far I’ve come. This has been so much more than just swimming. It’s been about proving to myself that I can stay consistent, push through the hard days, and keep going even when I don’t feel like it. Every swim has added up to something bigger, and I’m really starting to feel that now. Lately, I’ve noticed a shift too — I’m not just getting through the swims, I’m enjoying them. Feeling stronger, more confident, and way more at home in the water. And… I’ve decided I want to take it a step further and sign up for a competitive ocean swim soon 😭🌊 Which feels scary, but also really exciting. A few weeks ago I wouldn’t have even considered it, and now it feels like the natural next step. Just feeling really proud, really grateful, and very ready to finish this strong 💙 Share
20km down, 5 to go 💙
Today’s swim felt like a big milestone — I’ve officially hit 20/25km for Laps for Life. I got through 1.6km this afternoon and held a steady rhythm the whole time. It wasn’t my fastest, but it felt strong and consistent, which I’m really proud of. My heart rate was definitely up there, but I just kept pushing through and staying focused on each lap. Knowing I’ve only got 5km left now feels surreal. A few weeks ago, this goal felt huge — and now I’m so close to finishing. Every swim is starting to feel like more than just distance. It’s purpose, discipline, and showing up even when it’s hard. Final stretch… let’s go 🏊♀️ Share
Back in the water 🌊
Today’s swim felt steady and controlled. I found a nice rhythm early and just focused on keeping it consistent the whole way through. Nothing too intense — just showing up, moving my body, and getting it done. These are the swims that quietly build strength. Another one ticked off 💙 Share
Steady swim, sudden cramp
Today’s swim felt really steady and strong. I got in the pool and ended up swimming 1.5km (60 laps) in about 44 minutes, just settling into a nice rhythm and focusing on consistency rather than speed. My pace stayed pretty relaxed, and my heart rate shows it was a solid moderate effort - exactly the kind of swim that builds endurance over time. Right at the very end though… my foot cramped up out of nowhere which definitely forced me to stop a little earlier than I planned 😂 Nothing like your body deciding it’s done for the day! Still, I was happy to finish the full 1.5km before it happened. Every swim is another step toward my Laps for Life goal, and it feels good just showing up, getting the laps in, and slowly building distance and confidence in the water. On to the next one! 💙🏊♀️ Share
Long swim, strong mind 🏊♀️
Today’s swim was a big one. I spent 1 hour and 12 minutes in the pool and ended up swimming 2.525 km (101 laps in a 25 m pool). It was definitely one of my longer sessions so far, and it pushed both my body and my mindset. About halfway through I settled into a steady rhythm, just focusing on my breathing and the next lap rather than the total distance. That’s something swimming keeps teaching me — big goals get easier when you take them one lap at a time. My shoulders were definitely feeling it by the end, but finishing that 100th lap felt incredibly satisfying. Moments like this remind me why I started this challenge in the first place: showing up, staying consistent, and proving to myself that I’m capable of more than I think. Every swim is another step forward. 💙 Share
Finding my rhythm!
Today’s swim felt really solid. I jumped in the pool and ended up swimming 1.1 km (44 laps) in about 33 minutes, keeping a steady pace the whole time. It wasn’t my longest swim, but it felt strong and consistent, which I’m really happy about. My goal right now isn’t to go all out every session — it’s about building endurance, staying disciplined, and showing up. Every swim is another step toward the 25 km goal for Laps for Life, and it feels good knowing each lap is helping support young people struggling with their mental health. Swimming has become such a grounding part of my routine. It gives me time to clear my head, focus on my breathing, and just keep moving forward — one lap at a time. I’m so grateful for everyone supporting me on this journey 💙🎉 Share
Mixing it up in the water 🏊♀️
Today’s swim ended up being a really nice mix of steady swimming and trying something a little different. I spent 500m using a pool buoy, which meant my legs could rest while I focused on my upper body and arm technique. It definitely made me more aware of my stroke and how much power comes from the arms when the legs aren’t doing much. In total I swam 1.9km, with 1.4km in my main swim and the extra 500m with the buoy. It felt like a solid session without pushing too hard — just settling into a comfortable rhythm and keeping things consistent. My pace sat around 2:56/100m for the main swim, and my heart rate stayed pretty steady too, which tells me my endurance is slowly building. These kinds of swims remind me that progress doesn’t always have to mean going faster — sometimes it’s about building strength, experimenting with technique, and just spending time in the water. Another step forward in the Laps for Life journey. 🩵 Share
Arms doing the work today 💪🏊♀️
Today’s swim was a bit different from my usual sessions. I swam 1.4 km in about 47 minutes, but I deliberately took it easier on my legs and focused mostly on using my arms. My shoulders have been a little sore lately from the longer swims, so I treated today as more of an upper-body focused session. It actually felt really good to slow things down, concentrate on my pull, and settle into a steady rhythm in the water. Sometimes changing the focus like that helps me stay consistent without overdoing it. Even without kicking much, it was still a solid swim and another step forward in my Laps for Life journey. Every session is helping me build more endurance and strength in my arms, which I’m really keen to keep developing. Slow and steady progress — and another 1.4 km closer to the goal. 🏊♀️💙 Share
1.5km strong – even with a late start on the watch
Today’s swim was a solid one. I accidentally forgot to start my Apple Watch right when I jumped in, so the stats don’t show the full distance, but I actually ended up swimming about 1.5km in total. Once I got going, I found a steady rhythm and just focused on moving through the water. It felt like one of those swims where you switch your brain off a little and just keep going lap after lap. Even though the watch only recorded 1,425m, I know I hit that 1.5km mark. Every swim is another step closer to my 25km goal for Laps for Life, and it feels really good seeing the distance slowly add up. More importantly, every lap is helping raise awareness and funds for youth mental health — something that means a lot to me. On to the next swim. 🏊♀️💙 Share
Big swim today!!
Today’s swim was a big one — 2.6km (104 laps) in the pool 🏊♀️ I focused on finding a steady rhythm and just kept going, one lap at a time. Some moments felt tough, but I reminded myself why I’m doing this. Every lap is for the young people who feel like they have nowhere to turn when life gets overwhelming. This challenge is really personal to me, and being able to use something I love like swimming to support youth mental health means a lot. 25km for youth suicide prevention — one lap at a time. 💙 Thank you to everyone supporting me along the way. Share
Short and steady today!
I swam 600m (24 laps) this morning for Laps for Life. I’ve been in a bit of pain, and with uni starting back today, I wanted to protect my energy — so I kept it shorter than usual. Not my longest swim, but it still counts. Every lap brings me closer to 25km and supports youth mental health. Showing up is what matters. 💙 Share
Today’s laps for life swim just flowed!
I hopped into the pool in Ryde with no big expectations — just planning to move and clear my head. Somewhere a few laps in, I hit that flow state. My breathing settled, my stroke felt smooth, and my mind went quiet. Before I knew it, I’d swum 1.5km — 60 laps. It felt steady, calm, almost meditative. Grateful for the water and for what each lap represents. 💙 Share
Swim no.2
Today was all about taking it easy and settling into my rhythm. I still swam 1km (40 laps in a 25m pool), but the goal wasn’t speed - it was consistency. I focused on smooth strokes, steady breathing, and just enjoying the water. It felt calmer than the first swim. Less “push through it” and more “find the flow.” Sometimes a relaxed session is exactly what you need to build confidence and keep the momentum going. Two swims down, feeling good, and ready for the next one tomorrow! 💙🏊♂️ Share
Swim no.1 💙🏊🏼♀️
Today I hit a milestone - my first official swim for Laps for Life! 🏊♂️ I jumped into the pool with my dad, which made the whole thing way more fun! We kept a steady rhythm and ended up swimming 1km (40 laps in a 25-meter pool). By the end, my arms were tired but in that satisfying, “I actually did something” kind of way. What I loved most was the mix of challenge and calm. There’s something about counting laps and focusing on breathing that clears your head. Sharing it with my dad made it even better - he gave me lots of encouragement and plenty of laughs along the way. First swim done, and definitely not the last. Laps for Life is officially underway 💪 Share
My first practice swim!
I completed my first practice swim today — 1,000 metres (40 laps) in just over 24 minutes. It was a solid starting point and a great reminder that technique and breathing make all the difference. Some laps felt smooth, others were tough, but finishing strong gave me a big confidence boost. Excited to keep building my endurance, improve my form, and see how much progress I can make from here. The journey has officially begun! 💙 Share
Thank you to my
supporters
$422
Anonymous
$310
Anonymous
Immy. What a great challenge. As always you are looking at ways to help others and I love you for that. I’ll be swimming alongside you for support and encouragement. You got this!
$200
Andrew Tucker
All the best Immy!
$150
Anonymous
$106.12
Maureen Tucker
So very proud of you.I know you will make a difference
$106.12
Michael Aurisch
So proud of you Immy! Fantastic cause, you've got this xx
$100
Kaylie Gardner
Good luck Immy! Wishing you all the best. Xx
$64.67
Anonymous
❤️❤️❤️
$64.67
Kate Gaffney
Thank you and go well Imogen…we are right behind you!
$60
Mireille Van Daal
Great cause! Well done you!
$60
Mia Kim
Such a great cause, so beautiful of you to do this!
$59.41
Izzy F
Love you Immy💖
$58.63
Tom Burns
Good luck with the swimming, I know you’ll do great!! Massive respect for you. Tom
$56.24
Imogen Gilchrist
$56.24
Matched by 7-Eleven
$56.24
Diane Gilchrist
$56.24
Amy Caccamo
Proud of you xx
$56.24
PNI Foundation & Antipodes Partners
Your donation has been matched thanks to our generous partners.
$56.24
Michelle from Thirroul
Go for it Imogen !!
$56.24
PNI Foundation & Antipodes Partners
Your donation has been matched thanks to our generous partners.
$56.24
Chloe Turner
You are a queen and this is incredible! xx
$56.24
PNI Foundation & Antipodes Partners
Your donation has been matched thanks to our generous partners.
$54.12
Neill Sutton
$54.12
Matt Neilson
Go queen
$54.12
Stella Gallucci
So proud of you
$54.12
Emma S
Proud of you Immy!!
$36.61
Madi Bech
Go girl!! Cannot wait to see the boundaries you push
$35
Max Parry
$33.15
Ellen
Go Immy!!🫶🏼
$33.15
Elizabeth Nolan
$27.81
Charlotte Broeking
$27.81
alana doornbos
Incredible to see the remarkable work you do not only for yourself but anyone who’s lucky enough to be impacted by you!
$27.81
Anonymous
$22.58
Gabi
my absolute queen you are doing amazing !!
$22.58
Anonymous
$16.98
lola wollaston
what an amazing cause, this means so much to so many people. all the best Imogen!! xx
$16.98
PNI Foundation & Antipodes Partners
Your donation has been matched thanks to our generous partners.
$15
Ella Hoschke
I’m so proud of you Immy! Thank you for your continuous kindness. Love you immy xxx
$11.65
Charlotte Raspass
Such an important cause Imogen, well done! Xx
$10
Anonymous
Your determination and kindness shine through in everything you do. This challenge is an incredible thing to take on and I’m behind you all the way - wishing you strength and support in every stroke!!