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Veronica Merton

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.

Day 1

It’s not quite the 1st of March, but it was the first day in March that provided me with a morning roomy enough to begin my very slow swim towards 20km. Last year felt like a battlefield. I shared lots about our family’s story of failing mental health. I raged in disbelief at the lack of support in both the education and the health system. I pushed my mind and body and heart refusing to surrender and collapse. I did about 2 million pushups (or there abouts) and my community showed their support beyond what I could have imagined. I didn’t quite break…. but it was close. I was so fortunate to run away for 6 weeks for some enriching work and some respite. During that time I decided that I needed to find more silence. Make less adrenaline. Find space for mindfulness. I HATE MINDFULNESS! I hate meditation. I hate sitting still. I like ticking boxes. The closest I have ever come to a meditative state is in the pool. Swimming up and down. Breathing in and out. Pushing past the protests of my wrestless mind until at about 300m the fog would clear. Arms and legs moving in rhythm with my breath. My imagination would wonder and I could see beauty and potential. I used to swim at Nightcliff Pool. In the open air and the sun with a view that never ceased to uplift. My time at the pool was protected and highlighted on the planner next to my computer. I managed my time precisely so that my study would not interfere too much with my time with the kids. I wanted weekends and camping and lazy cuddles…. but also craved High Distinctions. I have known for a long time now that if my brain does not receive its regular dose of exercise induced endorphins it becomes a liability. Since leaving Darwin I have not returned to swimming. The cold has taken a while to get used to and the smell of chlorine and stuffy air is not as inviting as the fresh breeze of Nightcliff. Instead I have huffed and puffed through jumping lunges and squat jumps and classes that send me home buzzing with my endorphins…. and adrenaline. I have decided to return to the pool. My beloved burpees can wait. This Laps For Life challenge fulfills my need to tick boxes and be held accountable. If I say I am going to do something I do it. Even if it is cold, and pool air is stuffy and I hate the smell of chlorine. The commitment I make will help push past the discomfort and allow me the rewards I know are waiting. Today I swam 2km. At 300m my mind calmed. My breath deep and calm and rhythmic. At the end of 40 laps I felt like I could go forever. Perhaps 20km is not a tough enough goal. Am I making it too easy? Perhaps it doesn’t matter. I will see where it takes me.

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$1,248

My Goal

$500

Select amount to donate

$52
$89
$128
$245
$245
$540
$756
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My Swim Progress

I've swum

22.00km (0 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...

312

Young people with vital mental health support.

Fundraising Progress

Raised

$1248

My Goal

$500

So far, you’ve raised 250% of your fundraising goal!

Raised

$0

My Team Goal

$0

So far, you’ve raised nan% of your fundraising goal!

Raised

$3,657,499

All Goal

$3,600,000

So far, you’ve raised 102% of your fundraising goal!

Thank you to my Sponsors

$135.04

Jasmine Banner

Keep swimming Veronica! You're an inspiration

$106.12

Brian Hobsbawn

$106.12

John Merton

$60

Anonymous

$56.24

Rebecca Clark

So proud of you! You are an inspiration!

$56.24

Veronica Merton

$56.24

Matched by Reef Shark Foundation

$56.24

Donna Bush

I’ve been following closely. You’re always an inspiration even in the depths of despair. Wishing you courage and hope… there’s always hope much love x

$56.24

Claire Johns

$56.24

Celie Clucas

Go Veronica! Well done! ❤️

$56.24

Ali Haustead

$54.12

Kerry Beale

A phenomenal cause - well done you!

$54.12

Yvonne Hobsbawn

$52

Chrissie Walker

❤️

$50

Patric Hobsbawn

Oni Oni Oni oi oi oi.

$50

Matched by The GPT Group

$50

Bronwyn Collins

$27.81

Robyn Withell

Great effort Veronica. Such a great cause.

$27.81

Rebecca Clarke

I miss you!

$22.58

Anonymous

Well done, you are a star ⭐️

$17.16

Anonymous

$17.16

Andrew King

Love your posts. Your resilience is inspiring x

$12.77

Han

$11.41

Sam Urquhart

Congratulations you're an inspiration