Swimming for Parkinson's – My Journey, My Mission

$2,360 of $4,000 goal
Given by 32 generous donors in around 4 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

Thanks for all the support so far.  26 August 2025

Just wanted to say a big thank you for all the support from everyone it means so much. My training has been going well, and I am really just at the stage where I am building a base for the big milage still to come. I have been working with a coach to try and improve my technique which will hopefully make a big difference for this swim. For those of you haven't yet shared my page please do so as the more people I can reach the more awareness I can hopefully create for Parkinsons NZ as well as raise funds. This week I have a meeting with an educator from Parkinsons NZ which will be beneficial to increasing my understanding of the disease and my management plan. Again, thanks and love to you all. Dean

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Latest donations

Dawn
Dawn on 24 Nov 2025
Good luck Dean!
Private
Graeme
Graeme on 15 Nov 2025
Best of luck for your big swims. Coming from an open water swimmer with AF & diagnosed with Parkinson’s in July this year. Back in the 80s & 90s I used to race your bro in tris! Kia kaha.
$100
scott
scott on 14 Nov 2025
Well done!
$50
Robyn
Robyn on 16 Sep 2025
All the best for a great swim across Taupo and facing your challenges in such a positive way!
$100
Graeme-Dunedin
Graeme-Dunedin on 07 Sep 2025
All the best Dean
$40

Who's involved?

Dean Madsen's avatar
Created by Dean Madsen
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This campaign started on 18 Aug 2025 and ends on 31 Mar 2026.