My Activity Tracking
1,468
kms
Oceans Seven For Mental Health
Intro
Hello, my name is Andy Donaldson and I'm taking on the Oceans Seven Swim Challenge for Mental Health.
The Oceans Seven is a collection of the seven toughest and most iconic channel swims in the world. These equate to almost 200km of swimming.
In order to help bring more awareness to the cause and the incredible work of the Black Dog Institute, I have set myself some ambitious goals for this journey.
These are to break the current cumulative world record time of 64 hours
35 minutes, and to try complete all seven channels in one year, something which has never been achieved.
Mental Health
Mental health has become one of the most pertinent issues of our time with the World Health Organisation expecting depression to become the leading health concern worldwide by 2030.
In my own life, I’ve known many good people who have struggled with their mental health and like many, I've lost friends to suicide. My greatest hero growing up, my grandfather, bravely dealt with his own mental issues. This had a profound effect on me.
During 2019, I experienced my own struggles with depression. I was burnt out, and felt a bit lost in life. Fortunately, I received some great support from those around me, and I was encouraged back into the water where I discovered community, along with tools to help manage and improve my mental wellbeing.
Black Dog Institute - Mental Health Research
Through this journey, I rediscovered my passion for swimming, and it inspired me to try to use my skills to help others. I started doing swims to raise money for charity, and this ultimately led me to the Oceans Seven and the Black Dog Institute.
The Black Dog Institute’s vision is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. They are global leaders in mental health research, turning scientific findings into life saving action which is available and accessible to everyone around the world.
I hope to use this challenge as a vehicle for good, raising funds and awareness towards their amazing work.
Please donate today!
Follow the Journey
I'll be posting more info and regular updates at:
instagram - andy.swimming
website - coming soon
Alternatively, if you wish to be part of the journey or support in other ways, feel free to reach out - andrew.donaldson@outlook.com
My Updates
About the Oceans Seven
Wednesday 6th Jul
|
Channel |
Distance |
Description |
Dates |
|
English Channel |
33km |
England to France |
Aug 22 |
|
North Channel |
34km |
Ireland to Scotland |
Sep 23 |
|
Cook Strait |
22km |
North to South Island New Zealand |
Mar 23 |
|
Molokai Channel |
43km |
Molokai to Oahu Hawaii |
Apr 23 |
|
Strait of Gibraltar |
14.4km |
Spain to Morocco |
May 23 |
|
Catalina Channel |
32km |
Santa Catalina to Los Angeles |
Jul 23 |
|
Tsugaru Strait |
19.5km |
Honshu to Hokkaido Japan |
Jul 23 |
|
|
197.9km |
|
Thank you to my 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
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.
$262.50
Jackie Gardiner
I've loved following your 3 swims so far. Absolutely smashed them! Just AMAZING! Thankyou for your continued promotion of mental health - As someone who has struggled recently with my own mental health, I agree with the therapeutic benefits of being in the water surrounded by mates and just how much better that makes me feel :-) Keep up the great work and good luck!
$262.50
Aunty Lynne And Mama Ruth
Massive Congratulations on the Completion your No 4 of The Oceans Seven Channels Swim Challenge - Molokai Straits, 18th April 2023. It's not the story of breaking another record this time, but we're so proud to know that you'd gained a more valuable & meaningful experience which applicable to the real life itself. You've passed the halfway mark now. 4 down, 3 to go! We'll continue to support you in our prayer for your No 5 Swim on Straits of Gibraltar this month. God is with you on your journey Andrew till all accomplished, and bless your kind compassionate heart towards those who are struggling in their life with the Mental Health illness. Wish you all the very best Andrew 🙏🛥🏊♂️💪💯🔥🤩
$262.50
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!
$262.50
Max, Paddy, Helen & Mark
keep swimming downhill - gomango
$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
$257.25
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
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!
$157.50
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!!
$157.50
Oliver & Mummy
You're my hero Andy! We're always with you and so proud of you. Your mini me Oliver & Mumny 🏊♂️💪🌟
$157.50
Gregory Family
Keep going Andy!!!
$157.50
Kendal Leggett
Truly inspirational 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!
$147.70
Aunty Lynne & Judy
Congratulations Andrew on your Swim No. 5 of The Oceans Seven Channels - The Straits of Gibraltar on 20th May 2023 with a New Brittish Record time 2.56 51 We are so proud of you and very WELL DONE indeed 🎉 Our prayer will continue to follow you on your next swim on Catelina Strait in America before your Final one on Tsugaru Strait in Japan. Wish you all the very best, God be with you & your incredible crew untill all accomplished 🙏🛥🏊♂️💯
$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
$136.50
Steve, Ingrid, Milla And Isaac Iaschi
1 down in record time!!! Can't wait to see what you do next!
$120.75
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!
$107.50
Ava, Lucy And Heidi Henville
All the best Andy, you are an incredible swimmer and inspiring individual supporting a great cause.
$107.50
Mark Melnick
Heard about your story from my friend Tim Olson. Good luck on your remaining two swims.
$105.50
Rachel Jewell
This is the best thing I’ve come across on the ol’ instagram discovery feed. Insane, and going by my Dad’s immediate response of ‘don’t get any ideas’, inspiring goal. Amazing cause. Well done mate.
$105.50
Paul Bruce
$105.50
Kylie
Congratulations!! Such a great cause. Keep the coverage coming on each swim. I’m loving the coverage log each crossing
$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
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
Sam Sheppard
Killing it mate; you're inspiring me to want to get back in the water. One swim down, six to go
$105
Liz
Ruth told me about your challenge. Brilliant swimming. Well done.
$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
Kathryn Welsh
Looking forward to meeting you when you swim the Catalina Channel
$105
Christine Cornford
$105
Poonam Di Iorio
All the best Andy! Good on you!
$105
Rob And Ally Evernden
Well done Andy, your mental strength as well as the physical strength you need to get through these swims is amazing, you are a wonderful ambassador for mental health and we are all so proud of you and cheering you on xx
$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
Kate Hatley
Well done for your huge efforts for such a worthy cause.
$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!
$104
Tom Drinan
$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!
$100
Mike & Cath Burton
Many congratulations on your achievement so far, and very best of luck with the remaining challenges Mike & Cath (Algar de Palancia)
$89.25
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
$78.75
Ingrid Iaschi
You are an inspiration Andy! Can’t wait to see you accomplish this awesome feat for such a worthy cause 💙
$78.75
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)
$52.75
Anonymous
$52.75
Nick Evernden
$52.50
Barbara Roger & River
Wish you all the best on this huge journey!
$52.50
Carla Duncan
Very inspiring Andy and an incredible challenge to undertake. Perth City will be cheering you on
$52.50
Andrew Hunter
Good luck! This is an incredible challenge for a fantastic cause! May the weather and tides be kind to you!
$52.50
Rylan Fabrici
You the man Andy! Keep making me look pedestrianly slow in the pool.
$52.50
Sophie Dean
Good Luck Andy! Such an inspiring adventure for a great cause
$52.50
Ruairidh Wilson
$52.50
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. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
$52.50
Julie Pham
Good Luck Andy!
$52.50
Aileen, Washing Machines
Super swimming. Well done!
$52.50
May Hillis
An absolutely amazing challenge and a great cause you’re supporting. Wishing you all the best on your journey and stay safe!
$52.50
Rebecca Smith
Great to hear you in church today! An inspirational challenge.
$52.50
Sheila (friend Of Ruth)
Wonderful Challenge - look forward to your arrival in August in Scotland
$52.50
Andy Hodkinson
$52.50
Nedra Vandendriesen
Keep going Andy !- Inspired and thrilled to see you doing well ..Spreading the word to get you more sponsors …..
$52.50
Nadya Pullinger
Congrats on your channel of bones swim - incredible. Keep going!
$52.50
Ali
$52.50
Anonymous
$52.50
Natsaha Alexandra
Good luck Andy!
$52.50
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!
$52.50
Ailsa Malone
You are incredible Andy and what a great cause. I watch in awe (and disbelief) at you completing these insane swims. Massive congratulations for all you have achieved so far and good luck in your swims to come!
$52.50
Lachlan Clinch
Swim hard mate
$52.50
Giorgia Bealsey
$52.50
Jenny Kirke
Well done Andy. A Truly amazing and inspiring person. What you have just achieved is mind blowing. And to go through all that you did and then to swallow a jelly fish..!!!! Horrific.! Congratulations.. have a well deserved rest for you and your team.
$52.50
Karthi Zis
$52.50
Al Clarke
Andy you're a true legend. Randomly came across your instagram account as I sometimes swim at Beaty Park. Keep smashing it mate. Cheers Al 🤟👍
$52.50
Frank Van Rooyen
Good Luck Andy!
$52.50
Cindy & Shaun Jessop
You’re an amazing human being Andy, raising money for an amazing cause. You’re going to be awesome!
$52.50
Jaime Bowler
Go Andy!!!
$52.50
Nick Green
You are going to smash it!
$52.50
Callum Hillicks
Great work IBN!
$52.50
Cam
Amazing work Andy, inspiring so many and for such a great cause!
$52.50
Morag Daly
Absolutely amazed by what you are doing. Wishing you all the best and we will be following you on each swim.
$52.25
Anonymous
$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!
$31.65
Moritz Peitgen
Hey Andy, its super impression what you already achieved and I am very sure its still an exciting and awesome journey! Also for the heart of a traveller ;) All the best my friend, Moritz
$31.50
Laura Tavernor
Amazing! A little bit colder than the Rotto swim! Congratulations
$31.50
Bill
Swim away mate
$31.50
Kon Stergiou
$31.50
Paul Bruce
Incredible challenge, incredible swims, amazing cause - Best Of Luck x7 !!!
$31.50
Craig Macpherson
Go Andrew!
$31.50
Stergiou
$31.50
Edward Byrne
$31.50
Ruairidh Wilson
$31.50
Brian Church
Awsome cause wish Andrew all the best.
$31.50
Hannah Lawrance
Amazing job!!
$31.50
Cam
Great work Andy - nice to meet you on the beach this morning. Keep pushing!!!
$31.50
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! 🥰
$31.50
Louise Corbett
You were assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved. So dam impressed with your incredible courage and dogged determination to see that one ticked off. Looked and sounded like a bloody nightmare but WOW what an achievement. Bet that one showed you what you truly are capable of...absolutely anything you put your mind too. 🙂👏
$31.50
Bill And Robyn Richmond
Happy swimming Andy. Great charity to support
$31.50
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....
$31.50
Catherine Hodkinson
Wonderful to follow your achievements, we are cheering for you from our warm and dry homes xxx
$31.50
Kelly Dudgeon
$31.50
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
$26.25
Chris
Amazing challenge and effort, Andy, and a great cause. Best of luck today!
$26.25
Heath
Good on you Andy!!
$21.10
Tolin Jacqui Jacqueline
$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
Tracey Shaw
Best of luck Andy. Thanks for making a difference 💪🏻
$21
Wendy Davies
$21
Aoife
Well done Andy. Unbelievable swimmimg and swallowing a jellyfish is dedication!
$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 👏🏼
$20.90
Eniko Jernei
You are very inspirational,Andy. Wish you all the best in this incredible challenge. Thank you for making a difference.
$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!
$15.75
Ana Perez
$11.03
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.
$10.50
