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Swimming for Parkinson's – My Journey, My Mission

  • 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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  • 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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