Kelly Hooch Hunt

Why I swim

In March, I’m swimming because I want to do something !!!!!! Something that says to a young person who feels overwhelmed… you matter. Something that supports families who are carrying the heaviest of grief. Something that contributes — even in a small way — to understanding, prevention, and hope. Too many young people are reaching a point where they believe suicide is the answer. It isn’t. But the pain that gets them there is real. I can’t fix everything. But I can show up. I can put in the laps. WE can raise funds. IWEcan start conversations. And that’s what this swim is about.. SO JOIN ME I’m close to my public goal of $2,000 ... which is incredible. But quietly… I’ve set my sights higher. Much higher. Because what if we didn’t just aim for “average”? What if we aimed for impact? What if together we pushed this to $10,000? A whole heap of little somethings can become an awesome thing . If you’ve ever wanted to help but didn’t know how this is a way. Join me. Donate if you can. Share if you can’t. Start a conversation. Check in on someone. Let’s choose to do something rather than nothing. Because as the great man used to say: “Life is only one lap ... let’s make it a good one.” Hooch

Swimmer

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

My Swim Progress

Completed

4.53km (181 laps)

My goal

20km

My Impact

Impact

So far I’ve raised $1,956 to provided 489.07 young people experiencing mental health difficulties with vital support.

Top Donation

Donation top

$258

David Saunders

Shoutout to David Saunders – my biggest supporter so far with a $258 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

Thank you to my
supporters

$258.48

David Saunders

Swim like the fishes, you've got this 💯

$135.04

Greg Beatty

Go you good thing

$135.04

Anonymous

Good luck Pumba

$135.04

Cade Lucas

Hi mate. Seth was my nephew. Thankyou so much for doing this. Cade.

$106.12

Micky D

$94.86

Garth "Doggie" M

Doing a great job Hooch Mozza would be proud of ya

$94.86

Erin L

Love that you are doing this, thank you for supporting young people going through tough times

$89

Serina Jansen

Go you good thing.

$85.48

Nige and Loz Pitchford

All behind you mate.

$60

Rob Freeman

Thank you 🙏

$56.24

Anonymous

Seth was one of my daughters best friends. They bonded through their shared love and passion for theatre. Seth's passing has been an immense loss and we miss him everyday. Kelly, what you're doing is selfless and amazing. Its time to take action, and save our kids. Thank you and goodluck.

$56.24

Oh Bees Flowers & Gifts

Good on ya buddy 💐

$56.24

Peri lucas

❤️

$56.24

Sonny & Mindy

$56.24

Matthew Young

$56.24

Chelsea Duncan

A great way to honor Seth and support our youth. Well done!

$56.24

Larnie Gale

Thank you for doing this for Seth

$56.24

Bee

Always supporting with a big heart Mr Hunt 🙌🏼

$56.24

Julie-Anne Jolly

Thanks for doing this in honour of Seth- a most incredible young man who is sadly missed.

$54.12

Us

$52.92

James Holloway

$52

Fiona Archer

Hi Kelly I was Seth’s teacher for a number of years. He was an outstanding young man with the world at his feet. Like you, I’m so sad and shocked that he took his own life. He was so well known and and loved. We all would have helped him. Well done for taking the plunge! Fiona (Prue’s Sister)

$52

Paul vT

Awesome stuff. Good luck.

$22.58

Tristan Cocker

Well done mate great cause

$22.58

Renee

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