I use exercise (and especially swimming) as a way to keep, not only my physical health, but also my mental health in check and, in the past, it's definitely been an important part of how I've coped with difficult periods of my life.

As I attempt my 4th solo crossing to Rottnest I am aiming to raise money for Beyond Blue and I would welcome any contribution, great or small, that you could make to help me reach my target of at least $100 for every kilometre I will swim from Cottesloe beach to Rottnest Island (19.7km) during the Rottnest Channel Swim event on February 20.

Beyond Blue is Australia's most well-known and visited mental health organisation, focused on supporting people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide. 

In Australia, it's estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime and in any one year, around 1 million Australian adults have depression, and over 2 million have anxiety. Tragically, on average, nine people in Australia take their own lives every day. Beyond Blue hopes to provide everyone with information to recognise how depression, anxiety and suicide can affect people, and simple strategies to understand what to do if it happens to them, or someone close to them. Given the events of the past year, now, more than ever, raising awareness and reducing stigma about mental health conditions is needed, as well as providing support for those people affected.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!