Sarah Swims for 12 hours to raise money for Totara Hospice

Hi, I'm Sarah and I've always had a great love for the water and swimming.

After the loss of my husband Simon, at 38 years old in October 2025, it has become a huge refuge and place of peace for me. Swimming has helped me heal from the grief of losing my husband so young. In February/early March of 2027 I am planning to swim across Lake Tikitapu in Rotorua as many times as I can, over 12 hours to raise money for Totara Hospice.

In 2024 Simon was given 6-12 months of his life left and he was referred to Totara Hospice. The team supported Simon in so many ways; They managed his pain, respected his independence, and guided us through the tough moments, while also supporting me as his primary carer. As his illness progressed, Simon began to truly appreciate the team’s care and the love they showed us both. And

Hospice became as much a support for me as it was for Simon.

I want people to understand that Hospice is there for every stage of a life‑limiting illness. Not just the final days, not just for the elderly, and not just the for the paitents, but family too.

I want to raise money for Totara Hospice so that they can continue to care for people like Simon, and support carers like myself. Hospice relies heavily on donations to keep running and to keep caring for the terminally ill and their families.

If you would like to support my swim, all proceeds go to Totara Hospice. Either sponsor a chosen amount per crossing of Lake Tikitapu, or a set sum.

Thank you for your support.