Swimming for Parkinson's – My Journey, My Mission

$2,735 of $4,000 goal
Given by 37 generous donors in around 5 months

Fundraising for Parkinson's New Zealand

Nationwide

I've recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s – just last week in fact.

It’s a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and coordination—and it’s a lot to take in. My father-in-law also lived with Parkinson’s, so I know the toll it can take.

But I’m not stopping.

Before my diagnosis, I’d already committed to a huge personal challenge: swimming the full 40km length of Lake Taupō. That’s the equivalent of running four marathons back-to-back. I’ve been training hard, with an even bigger goal in mind: crossing the Cook Strait.

Now, I’m turning this swim into something bigger:

I’m raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s New Zealand, who support thousands of Kiwis living with this condition. They provide nurses, educators, support groups, resources, advocacy—and they rely on donations to keep going.

This cause is now deeply personal. By supporting this swim, you’re helping me face this challenge head-on, and you're supporting others across Aotearoa on their own Parkinson’s journey.

Please donate if you can. Every dollar helps—and keeps me motivated to keep training, swimming, and moving forward.

Your support means everything.

(P.S. Please share!)

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Latest update

Working towards the end goal  7 January 2026

With every mission there will be setbacks. Mine has come in the form of an elbow tendon injury which kept me out of the water for 2 weeks and has meant a very slow gradual return to swimming. With roughly 11 weeks left until the big swim it will mean playing a bit of catch up later on but for now it's important I take things slowly. I'm currently up to doing 1 km swims again so way off where I need to be but hopefully enough time left. I'm getting used to having to overcome obstacles having has a stent in March 2025 and then later diagnosed with Parkinsons. What is keeping me going is the end goal as well as the generous donations so far to the cause. I will press on to make sure I make the start line and give it everything I've got. Thanks again to everyone supporting me. And BTW Happy New Year I hope 2026 allows you to tick off some of your own goals.

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On average, fundraisers pay just 2% to use Givealittle. This is one of the lowest effective fees in New Zealand fundraising. We charge a 5% platform fee to cover the cost of running the platform. Because most donors choose to top up their donation to cover this fee, the effective cost paid by fundraisers is about 2%. That means around 98 cents of every dollar raised goes to the cause. Learn More

Latest donations

Lance & Sylvia Jackson
Lance & Sylvia Jackson 1 day ago
All the best Dean
$50
Tony and Penny
Tony and Penny 1 day ago
You are so going to do this bro we love you heaps
$100
Kayleen and Rob
Kayleen and Rob 3 days ago
$100
Robyn
Robyn 3 days ago
Go get it Dean!!! The lake is a tough one with no salt to help you float!!! Look out for the divers on the bottom cheering you on!!!
Private
Daniel
Daniel on 08 Dec 2025
Great example to us all. Go well Dean!
$100

Who's involved?

Dean Madsen's avatar
Created by Dean Madsen
Tax credit
Donations of over $5 are eligible for a New Zealand charitable giving tax credit.
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This campaign started on 18 Aug 2025 and ends on 31 Mar 2026.