I'm swimming to save lives
- This is my first year diving
- in for youth mental health
Did you know suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in Australia?
That means that each year more young people die by suicide than in car accidents or from cancer.
This March, I'm swimming to make sure young people in Australia have the mental health support they urgently need.
By sponsoring my challenge, you’ll be helping to prevent youth suicide.
All funds raised will help young people feel better about today and the future, no matter what challenge they're facing.
My Story
Growing up, my home wasn’t a safe space.
Through the fighting and financial struggles I often felt alone, and by 14 I had to move out.
I was trying to make sense of the world and my place in it and my mental health took a heavy toll. There were many moments when I asked what the point of it all was, or if it was even worth it.
But I was lucky in one sense, I didn’t have to face it alone. My amazing friends, my school, and the support of services like the one I’m raising funds for were a lifesaver, literally.
I got through my struggles and got to grow up - I’ve built a life, a career, and a family. But I’ve watched my friends battle their own demons, seeing that life can often be cruel and unpredictable. No one escapes without facing hardships, and mental health struggles don’t discriminate. They touch everyone at some point, whether through your own personal battles or of those around you.
Recently, I’ve lost people that I loved, and it’s been one of the hardest realities to face. The pain of losing someone to something that could have been prevented feels so unfair.
I’ve come to understand that while mental health is still surrounded by stigma, and the systems in place to help are often broken, we can’t stop pushing for change. The conversation needs to keep going. We need to make sure people know that they’re not alone and that help is available.
Every lap I swim, every dollar raised, is my way of doing what I can to make sure no one feels alone in their struggle.
If you’re able, please share this page or donate, even share your story if you’re comfortable doing so? The more we talk about mental health, the more we can change the narrative and help others who are struggling. Together, we might be able to make a real difference.
My Swim Progress
I've swum
20.00km (800 laps)
My Goal
20km
How do you compare to other participants?
Average Distance Swum: 9m
Average Distance Goal: 16KM
My Impact
So far this year I helped provide...
214
Young people with vital mental health support.
Fundraising Progress
Raised
$854
My Goal
$500
So far, you’ve raised 171% of your fundraising goal!
Raised
$0
My Team Goal
$0
So far, you’ve raised nan% of your fundraising goal!
Raised
$3,658,702
All Goal
$3,600,000
So far, you’ve raised 102% of your fundraising goal!
Thank you to my Sponsors
$94.86
Anonymous
$56.24
Lauchlan Waddell
$56.24
Ned Tansey
Well done Julia! Great work
$56.24
Denham Humphreys
Well done on your initiative and sticking with it.
$54.12
Amie
Just keep swimming
$54.12
Thomas Meneses-Lynch
Hell yeah Jules!
$43.60
Chris Nanni
Well done on raising awareness and completing the challenge
$38.33
Kel sinnott
Well done julia!
$37.49
Tristan Lucas
$35
Christy Cloake
$33.15
Lulu Ludbey
$27.81
Chanel McNeight
Go Julia 🩵
$27.81
Anonymous
Well done Julia
$27.81
Tammy Peoples
Amazing cause and amazing lady
$27.81
Angelique & Bas
Go Julz! Love you xx
$22.58
Jackson Carrick
Well done Julia, great effort!
$22.58
Carol Bodnar
$22.58
Sharon Padula
$22.58
Rebecca Stocks
Amazing cause, you’re an inspiration! You always were a terrific swimmer!!
$20
Julia Bonney
$20
Matched by Reef Shark Foundation
$20
Hayley
You’re amazing! 🏊♀️
$11.65
Kristen Monahan
Smash it xx
$11.65
Monique Bodnar
$10
Nadia Sanzaro
Amazing cause and I wish you all the best in reaching your goals! So proud of you :D
