Swimming for Parkinson's – My Journey, My Mission

$3,135 of $4,000 goal
Given by 39 generous donors in around 6 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

Swim Update Feb 2026  19 February 2026

Since my last update I have been continuing to work through my elbow tendon injury and slowly improving. Yesterday I chose to get a cortisone injection which will hopefully give me the best chance of completing this mission. I have also moved out my swim window to the 15th to 22nd April which gives me a couple of extra weeks to train. The challenge has definitely gotten tougher but is still on. Thanks everyone for their support its great having so many wonderful people behind you which makes what I am trying to achieve that much easier.

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Latest donations

Sally
Sally on 21 Jan 2026
The Franchise New Zealand media team is cheering you on Dean :)
$200
Sally
Sally on 21 Jan 2026
Hoping that elbow injury is recovering well and that you are starting to build up the k's again Dean. Hugs, Sally K.
Private
Lance & Sylvia Jackson
Lance & Sylvia Jackson on 08 Jan 2026
All the best Dean
$50
Tony and Penny
Tony and Penny on 08 Jan 2026
You are so going to do this bro we love you heaps
$100
Kayleen and Rob
Kayleen and Rob on 07 Jan 2026
$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.