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!)
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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