Why I swim
This March, I’m swimming 10 kilometres for Laps for Life to raise awareness about the alarming rate of teen suicide and to support young people struggling with their mental health. As a teen, I experienced depression and anxiety, and I know the overwhelming feeling of believing the world would be better off without me. I’ve carried those battles into adulthood, but I was fortunate to have the support of family and friends who stood by me. They gave me the space, structure, and encouragement I needed to learn healthy coping tools and accept help. Swimming has always been a place of calm for me — when I’m in the water, my mind quiets and I can focus on one stroke at a time. By taking on this challenge, I hope to give other young people access to the same kind of support that helped save me, and to remind them that they are not alone.
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
2.00km (80 laps)
My goal
10km
My Impact
So far I’ve raised $834 to provided 208.435 young people experiencing mental health difficulties with vital support.
Top Donation
$135
Steph
Shoutout to Steph – my biggest supporter so far with a $135 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
Laps for Life – Day 4 💙
Feeling proud that I didn’t let the chaos win today. I had a small window of time and for a second I thought, “Maybe I’ll skip today.” But instead, I squeezed it in.
Another 30 laps under my belt 💪
Slowly stacking up those laps… and still so grateful for the support behind me 💙
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Day 2 done and dusted… and wow, what a day.
Today the fam came along , had the mum guilts that the kids were missing out but - definitely helped calm the nerves — because if I’m honest, I was feeling a little intimidated with all the other swimmers. Everyone always looks like they know exactly what they’re doing, and there I was just hoping I wouldn’t get in anyone’s way 😅
But I showed up anyway.
And I swam.
And I kept going.
And I finished 30 laps!!!
proud of myself for pushing through that initial self-doubt and just getting it done.
But the biggest shock of the day?
I’ve already reached my fundraising goal.
On Day 2.
To say I’m in disbelief is an understatement. I honestly didn’t have a lot of confidence (something i am always working on) that people would want to support me in this.
Putting yourself out there and asking for donations feels vulnerable — and I think I underestimated the kindness and generosity of the people around me.
The messages, and donations have meant more than I can put into words. It’s reminded me that sometimes the only thing standing in our way is our own self-doubt!
So… since it’s only Day 2 and we’ve already smashed the original goal, I think it’s time to raise the bar 👊
Thank you for backing me, believing in me, and supporting such an important cause. We’re just getting started 💙
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Thank you to my
supporters
$135.04
Steph
$106.12
Jac
Love you
$94.86
Mandy Pacitti
Congratulations Jess on committing to this great initiative. Keep up!
$56.24
Cheryl Johnson
Well done Jess
$56.24
Carolyn Lintern
Proud of you Jess x
$56.24
Peta
Well done, Jess. You are such a champion 💕
$54.12
Richard Foggo
Great effort and great cause, Jess !
$54.12
Jules
$43.60
Jess Lintern
$43.60
Matched by 7-Eleven
$33.15
Katrina
A great cause Jess! Well done. Swimming is great for your body and a great way to clear your head too!
$33.15
Kelley
You got this Jess 💪🏻
$22.58
Caire bears 🐻
Thanks for advocating for those who can’t and raising money for an important cause
$22.58
Sarah G
Awesome work Jess 🙌🏻
$22.10
Kate Sanders
Donating with love — you’re doing an amazing thing
Hey Jess, this just came up on my Facebook page and it really is inspiring what you are doing for young people. I think it is incredible how you are putting yourself out there and being vulnerable for others keep being you Jess you are beautiful, strong, and an inspiration for others.