Helping children and young people who experience severe grief and loss

I had been swimming from May through to September some of the toughest open water swims in the World raising money for the NZ Charity Kenzies Gift. This charity supports the mental health of tamariki (children), matatahi (young people) and families affected by serious illness or bereavement.

The first swim in May is the scarily named 42km + "Channel of Bones" between the two islands of Oʻahu and Molokaʻi, in Hawaii. Whilst the water is warm, the sharks, swells and jellyfish make this one of the hardest open water swims in the world. This was successfully completed as was the next in July is a 32km night swim between Santa Catalina Island and Los Angeles, 20 miles (32 km).

Then a third swim - 48.5km around Manhattan Island. All completed.

A fourth swim was planned but will now not go ahead. however the fundraising will continue for a little longer -Every dollar raised goes towards achieving the vision of Kenzie's Gift: to ensure no Kiwi kids face serious illness or grief alone. This wrap-around mental health support includes 1-on-1 therapy and expert resources.

See www.kenziesgift.com for further information.