Swimming for Parkinson’s NZ: The 13,000 Pledge

Kia ora folks. If you know me, you’ll know I’m more of an 'inside person'. But after my dear Mum got diagnosed with Parkinson’s, sh*t got real. Turns out that’s a pretty good motivator to get off the couch and out of my comfort zone.

So over the next year, I’m swimming 325km. That’s 13,000 lengths, one for every Kiwi living with Parkinson’s. A stretch for me, but Parkinson’s asks more every day. That’s why this pledge isn’t about speed or distance. It’s about showing up consistently.

Swim. Breathe. Swallow water. Repeat.

I’m no Thorpedo! And here’s the honesty policy: it only counts when I’m actually in the pool. Every lap represents real people, so no creative accounting. Promise.

Over time, those laps add up: to awareness, support, and care for the 13,000 New Zealanders living with Parkinson’s today.

THE BIT THAT ACTUALLY MATTERS

Despite the chlorine damage to my hair, it’s not about me. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition. It gets worse over time, and there’s no cure yet.

• Around 1 in 500 people in Aotearoa live with Parkinson’s

• Numbers are rising

• It affects movement, energy, mood, sleep, and mental health

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT DOES

All donations go to Parkinson’s New Zealand, helping provide:

• support for people and whānau

• information and connection across communities

• research for better treatments

Let’s make every lap count. For my Mum, and all the Kiwis living with Parkinson’s.

Big mihi and thanks if you can help in any way.

Jamie xx