Swimming for Mental Health

Create Your Own

Swimmers for Mental Health

Swimmers for Mental Health is a community united by a common goal - to raise money and awareness for Mental Health through sport.

Mental illness doesn't discriminate.  It affects people from all walks of life and it's one of the great global challenges of our time.

If you wish to fundraise for Mental Health and help Black Dog understand the roots of Mental Illness through research, this is a great group for you.

Regardless of swimming ability or where you live, you are welcome in our team.  Join us now and help us make a difference together.

Thanks, Andy Donaldson

Thank you to our Sponsors

$1.02k

Anonymous

$1,000

Andrew Donaldson

$515

Alison Smith

A fabulous cause to support

$515

Tardis Group

A Great Goal Andy, All at Tardis Group wish you well and favourable conditions as you attempt this epic challenge.

$515

Josephine Mummery

Fiona - what a tremendous cause to swim for, and what an inspirational, determined and very wonderful person you are in taking on the oceans seven marathons and seeking to make a difference to people's lives. Fantastic swims so far and all the best for coming months to realise your goals xx

$515

Elena@eswim

Totally inspirational swimming and fundraising, Andy. Your passion is infectious and as a result you have so many people following your endeavours and willing you to succeed at every step of the way.

$263

Ruth Donaldson

Andrew, you've made your Mama so very proud of you with the way you use your talent and passion in swimming. Great courage is needed to take on this serious challenge; I really hope and pray that God will go before you and grant you His favour to accomplish your goal. May the purpose in raising awareness & funding for the Mental Health issues be achieved in a very generous response. Wish you all the very best for every swim you are going to undertake for the next 12 months. God bless you my precious son!

$260

Jackson, Sophie, And Finn

Keep up all the amazing work you are doing. It was such a privilege to swim with and support you across the Cook Straight

$257

Katy Welch

$225

Rhona Stapleton

Good luck with your Oceans Seven challenge. Rhona & John

$210

Roisin Tracey

What an epic challenge and a great charity to donate to. Good luck mate!! 🌊🏊🏼‍♂️

$210

Sarah, Robbie , Sam & Scout

Andy, all the best in achieving your Oceans 7 goal and Congrats on your Record breaking Cook Strait swim. Its been great meeting and swimming with you !

$210

Jeanette Hoogstad

Wow! Take care and all the best raising money for a very very important charity.

$210

Marnie Nolton

The Black Dog Institute is a terrific organization tackling mental health. It is incredible to watch you take on the Ocean Seven swims, as well as the training along the way. I love that you are reaching out to the communities around you when you (and Andy) are training and swimming). Best wishes for all your adventures!

$210

Golden Girls (aunty Lynne, Aunty Jean, Mama Bear)

Andrew, massive Congratulations to you & your incredible support crew on a World Record Swim across the Cook Strait on 6th March before midnight to 7th March early morning hours 2023. Only with God's Blessing & Favour, that cold night swim during spring tide could be accomplished in such a miraculously way, completed in 4:30:50 hrs. So, we give thanks, praise & honour to God Who made the Impossible became Possible.🙏☝😇 3 down & 4 more to go to Oceans 7. May God's blessing & favour will continue to follow you 'till the completion of Oceans Seven Channels Swim challenge is done . Our prayer will go with you dear Andrew. You are doing a great job for the good cause of raising awareness and funding for the Mental Health through Black Dog Institute. God bless you all 🙏

$210

Elaine &paddy Porteous

Best of luck Andy! What you are doing is a fantastic achievement and a great target to help a very important and deserving charity.

$200

Stu Clarke

Mate, you are absolute inspiration! If anyone can do this challenge, you can! You’ve got this!

$158

Pamela Wright

Congratulations Andy on such a fantastic achievement. Many more to come I am sure on your courageous adventure! Truly inspirational. Massive good luck for the rest of your swims!!

$158

Oliver & Mummy

You're my hero Andy! We're always with you and so proud of you. Your mini me Oliver & Mumny 🏊‍♂️💪🌟

$158

Gregory Family

Keep going Andy!!!

$150

Cj

Well done Andy! What an amazing swim! Best of luck for the rest of them! No doubt you will smash them all! x

$150

West Kilbride Friends

Such an Incredible work which we hope will inspire others!!! Andy Donaldson, you indeed have made West Kilbride, the little village where you grew up very proud of you. Congratulations on your New British Record swimming in English Channel on 07.08.2022, also for the 1st ever Scottish Male to swim solo in North Channel on 19.09.2022 with only shy of the World Record by 4 minutes. We wish you all the very best on the completion of your Oceans Seven Channels Swim Challenge for the next few months to come. May God continue to be with you and grant you favour to accomplish this great commission for the good cause of the Mental Health awareness and its funding too. God bless!

$142

Auntie L & Friends In Wkpc

Dearest Andrew, well done you!! I'm sure everyone feels the same, thats its a privilege to support you and your wonderful charity in whatever way we can. Teamwork!! Bless your heart❤️ Auntie L & friends xx

$137

Steve, Ingrid, Milla And Isaac Iaschi

1 down in record time!!! Can't wait to see what you do next!

$121

Nexia Perth

Keep up the great work Andy. This is the result of the gold coin donations from R U OK Day. Thank you for the presentation you sent through.

$120

Anonymous

May God be with you in this awesome challenge for very serious cause, Andrew. We will continue to support you in our prayers for the next 6 Oceans Channels to swim. Massive Congratulation on your 1st leg, English Channel with a New Brittish Record. We're very proud of you. God bless you!

$111

Peter Iancov

All the best Andy!

$110

Speed With Style

Keep up the amazing work Andy! You are an inspiration to us all. Looking forward to seeing how you go with the rest of your swims!

$105

Flash

Absolute LEGEND - keep up the good work :)

$105

Rachel Born

Congrats Andy! Keeping a close eye and a fantastic cause.

$105

Daniel And Louise

Well done Andy, already some incredible achievements this year. Go smash it! Just keep swimming.

$105

H

$105

Anonymous

$105

Ian Gompertz

awesome achievement and a great cause, well done mate!

$105

Barney

A true inspiration mate, I see the hard work that you put in day in day out am have every confidence you'll achieve your goal. you've got this!

$105

The Deans

Hope this experience is heaps of fun for you Andy. You are a true champion.

$105

Brian O'sullivan

$105

Jensen Family

Good on you! Such a worthy cause. Goodluck 💪

$105

Ben Lavigne

I really enjoyed swimming with you today Andy. What a great cause to be supporting. All the best for the Cook Straight. Ben

$105

Anonymous

$105

Ben Brackenbury

Absolute hero - good luck mate!

$105

Lauriston

Andy, Super excited to follow your swims. Absolutely amazing. All the very best. Jo and Nigel 🥰

$105

William Clayton

Great achievement Andy and our best wishes for the remaining challenge.

$105

Suzanna Olsen

The profound impact of your journey so far and to come is immeasurable and incredibly moving. Keep at it; the world is seeing you!

$105

Kaylene Bozich

Truly inspirational!

$105

Gráinne

Amazing to spend time with you and be a small part of the journey!

$105

Tim Edwards

Go Andy! Absolute Legend

$105

Lisa & Eva Macgregor

Go Andy.

$105

Steve Sammut

Hats off Andy.

$105

Dade Fletcher

Good luck Andy!

$105

Brendan

Keep up the great work mate 💪

$105

Jenny Kendall

Go Fi, you are doing an amazing job

$105

Sam Sheppard

Killing it mate; you're inspiring me to want to get back in the water. One swim down, six to go

$105

Sue & Steve Mellsop

Have no doubt you'll do your utmost to achieve your goals. It was great having you join our wee group this morning

$105

Christine Cornford

$105

Poonam Di Iorio

All the best Andy! Good on you!

$105

Breakwaterbill

Ever swimming in the Boston MA USA area let me know and happy to paddle for you!

$105

Anonymous

Couldn't think of a more worthy cause to do all these crazy swims for. All the best Andy!

$105

Julian Mills

A modest challenge indeed

$105

Aaron Maxwell

Great cause and inspirational swim challenge Andy!

$105

Andrew Kindness

What an inspirational challenge mate. You've come a long way from early morning swimming at vikingar. Totally believe you're crazy enough to do it! A great cause to do it for too. Wish you all the best 🙂

$105

Sandra Teagle

Best of luck Andy, Both my sons have suffered and luckily I still have them and they are moving forward with their lives and not letting this beat them, but it is by no means easy, just like the swims. You are a great swimmer which is half the battle to achieve this challenge and when you hit the wall find strength from remembering those you are helping. Regards Sandra (1 x Rotto solo swim 2006)

$105

Mal James Di Giulio

Hey Andy... great work mate.

$105

Becca And Praz

Amazing swimmer and all round wonderful person. Looking forward to following you on your journey (and maybe even watching some of the swims..) We love you Andy! Becca and praz xx

$105

Joan Young

Best wishes from your very proud Auntie Joan

$105

Alison Kindness

So proud of you Andy. Stay safe and keep away from the jellyfish😀

$105

Leith Weston-mckerracher

Hi Andy, I truly admire your passion and how your strengths and personal dedication are inspiring you to mentally focus on these phenomenal achievements. You are such a genuine and kind individual who is shining this bright light in acknowledging the importance of our mental health today, so thank you! 🤩

$105

Claire

To the greatest swimming legend I’ve had the privilege of knowing - good luck with the channel crossing next week - you will be amazing 😍

$105

Ally & Rob Evernden

Well done Andy, you are such an inspiration, I admire your drive, passion and commitment and wish you all the very best in your quest and hope you reach your fund raising goal for such a worthy cause 🏊‍♂️ 💪 🙌💗

$105

Lauren Nolan

$105

Greg Johnson

Can’t wait to see this journey . Epic and just a pleasure to watch you swim.

$105

Pat Hulsman

Inspiring and selfless. Good luck

$105

Natalie Taylor

Look forward to following your progress from the comfort of my sofa ;-) Great cause, and you've totally got this 👍

$105

Grant Cheshire

$105

Nicky, Pete, Jemma And Kalani Scott

Very inspiring, Andy! And such a great cause to motivate you along the way. Have fun and we look forward to following your progress xxx

$105

Euan Mcmillan

$105

Kelly Rasmusen

Best of luck Andy! 💪🏼

$105

Carri Forrester

Just Keep Swimming ......

$105

Nat & Jimmy

Hell yes Andy doing this for the MOST important cause. Absolutely love your work 💖

$105

Mick, Matt, Ben And Big Shazza

Good on you Andy. Rip in!

$100

Kenny Malloy

Hi Andy, Great cause 👏 I've had my own troubles with mental health , along with an estimated 800million people right this instant ...every stroke you take is a blow against the stigma and a loving arm up for all.....good luck 💪

$100

Gordon Hay

Go Amdy!

$100

Meredie Rose

Good on you Andy !

$100

Momoe Archbold

Keep smashing it

$100

David Rose

$100

Jenna Liddle

All the best Andy!

$100

Linda Welsh

$100

Anne Mcgimpsey

You pair are amazing! ☀️

$100

Penni Keulemans

What an amazing cause. Go Andy.

$100

Em Chetwin

Get after it Andy!

$100

Valerie Potts

Very impressive effort! I hope you reach your goal!

$89

Doug Russell

Kick it in the heid big man! And a damn fine cause and all.

$85

Rob And Bex Hillis

$84

The Czaplinski/skas

Good luck Andy Your someone to look up to in and out the water Look forward to following your journey

$79

Ingrid Iaschi

You are an inspiration Andy! Can’t wait to see you accomplish this awesome feat for such a worthy cause 💙

$79

Meg Ferraz

absolute legend!

$60

Caroline Batten

Good luck with the amazing challenge. Such a good cause to raise money for. Hope to meet you one day. From Caroline and Tim Batten (Cammie’s parents)

$53

Barbara Roger & River

Wish you all the best on this huge journey!

$53

Carla Duncan

Very inspiring Andy and an incredible challenge to undertake. Perth City will be cheering you on

$53

Andrew Hunter

Good luck! This is an incredible challenge for a fantastic cause! May the weather and tides be kind to you!

$53

Rylan Fabrici

You the man Andy! Keep making me look pedestrianly slow in the pool.

$53

Sophie Dean

Good Luck Andy! Such an inspiring adventure for a great cause

$53

Ruairidh Wilson

$53

Sian Dawson

I’m in awe, so amazing to be doing what you’re doing both physically and mentally, and then to be raising all this money and awareness too. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

$53

Julie Pham

Good Luck Andy!

$53

May Hillis

An absolutely amazing challenge and a great cause you’re supporting. Wishing you all the best on your journey and stay safe!

$53

Rebecca Smith

Great to hear you in church today! An inspirational challenge.

$53

Sheila (friend Of Ruth)

Wonderful Challenge - look forward to your arrival in August in Scotland

$53

Andy Hodkinson

$53

Nedra Vandendriesen

Keep going Andy !- Inspired and thrilled to see you doing well ..Spreading the word to get you more sponsors …..

$53

Anonymous

$53

Natsaha Alexandra

Good luck Andy!

$53

Cooper Family

Super proud of you Andy - what a wonderful cause you are swimming for. We will all be watching your progress and cheering you on!

$53

Lachlan Clinch

Swim hard mate

$53

Frank Van Rooyen

Good Luck Andy!

$53

Cindy & Shaun Jessop

You’re an amazing human being Andy, raising money for an amazing cause. You’re going to be awesome!

$53

Jaime Bowler

Go Andy!!!

$53

Nick Green

You are going to smash it!

$53

Callum Hillicks

Great work IBN!

$53

Cam

Amazing work Andy, inspiring so many and for such a great cause!

$53

Morag Daly

Absolutely amazed by what you are doing. Wishing you all the best and we will be following you on each swim.

$52

Bryan Connarty

What an amazing job Andy for a worthy cause. Truely inspiring. 🌊🏊‍♂️

$50

Wellness Clinic

Good luck!

$50

Andrew Lambert

Good luck Andy!

$50

Brian And Deirdre Murray

We are so impressed that you are doing this challenge Andy. We will be praying that God will keep you safe and well and will be following your progress eagerly! 🙏❤️

$50

Jen (alexis’ Mum)

Very worthwhile project Andrew. I wish you fair winds. From someone who appreciates the healing power of cold water swimming.

$50

Iona Mclachlan

$50

The Sinking Scotsman

Good luck Andy!

$50

Christine Freek

Amazing work Andy, such a great thing to do! Best of luck, and enjoy the whole experience!

$40

Anne Mummery

Great work Fiona, so proud of you. I look forward to seeing you complete all 7 open water swims! Xx

$32

Laura Tavernor

Amazing! A little bit colder than the Rotto swim! Congratulations

$32

Bill

Swim away mate

$32

Kon Stergiou

$32

Paul Bruce

Incredible challenge, incredible swims, amazing cause - Best Of Luck x7 !!!

$32

Craig Macpherson

Go Andrew!

$32

Stergiou

$32

Edward Byrne

$32

Ruairidh Wilson

$32

Brian Church

Awsome cause wish Andrew all the best.

$32

Cam

Great work Andy - nice to meet you on the beach this morning. Keep pushing!!!

$32

Maria Van Der Plas

ANDY!!! Wishing you a fantastic journey and swims that are looming on your horizon… finally, it’s here! Enjoy your amazing feat… and can’t wait to hear about the progress! 🥰

$32

Bill And Robyn Richmond

Happy swimming Andy. Great charity to support

$32

Fergus Mccarroll

Good luck, and great to meet you at Matt & AR's wedding. Wanted to throw you a (very) small donation, but I guess every little counts....

$32

Claudette :)

Lovely to meet you mate, you really are an inspiration!!! If I can help in any way let me know, will try to get you some sponsorship contacts. Defo the most interesting career choice and sport hobbies of anyone I have met in 6 years of travelling. Now off to do some weight training as struggled to carry you bag for 2 minutes haha

$32

Catherine Hodkinson

Wonderful to follow your achievements, we are cheering for you from our warm and dry homes xxx

$32

Kelly Dudgeon

$32

Emma Yeomans

Amazing challenge! Best of luck!

$30

Nye Levett

Congratulations on your channel swim mate. Thanks for your advice. Good luck with your next 6 swims!

$30

Emily Mcqueen

Such an amazing initiative! Best of luck x

$26

Chris

Amazing challenge and effort, Andy, and a great cause. Best of luck today!

$26

Heath

Good on you Andy!!

$21

Julie & Tony Boxsell

Go Andy Go! Just don't get swept to Antartica. Stay safe!

$21

Fiona Andrews

What an incredible challenge, and what an inspiration you are to others, I know you will smash it! Good luck and stay safe 🙂 feel proud to call you a former teammate!

$21

Irene Donnelly

Brilliant swim for an amazing cause Andy.

$21

Alison Mccallum

$21

Anonymous

$21

Mark Kwek

Good luck Andy!

$21

Wendy Davies

$21

Jason Mccormack

Godspeed

$21

Julie & Tony Boxsell

All the best Andy!

$21

Scott Collin

$21

Anonymous

$21

Kelley Schall

Hi! I am also a marathon swimmer and mental health advocate. I also struggled with severe depression and overcame a lot to bounce back and accomplish my swimming goals. Thank you for doing what you’re doing, and sharing your story!!!! Best wishes on your swims!

$21

Neil Theobald

Good luck!

$21

Zoe

Amazing charity and amazing swimming. I’ll be waving your flag. Hope things goe really well for you!

$21

@road2oceansseven

Hey Andy. Great cause with the mental health. 👍🏻 You seem like a very likeable person. I'm looking forward to see more from you. All the best 🙌 Chris

$21

Niriana Murray

Amazing to see you doing so well. Good luck! And keep at it 👏🏼

$20

Lauren Burgwyn

Good luck Andy!

$20

Jonathan Haines

All the best Andy! What a brilliant goal and well done on raising funds for such a worthwhile cause. Just brilliant! Go Andy go!

$16

Ana Perez

$11

Larry Freilich

Read the BBC article about your NZ swim! You’re amazing, and your philanthropy is admirable. Motivated us to donate to the good cause you champion.

$11

Kim Mann