England to France: A Swim for My Dad's Battle with Cancer

Everyone knows of a family that has been ravaged by cancer but you never imagine it would ever happen to your own family. It just wouldn’t.

And then on a random Wednesday night you get a call from your Dad. At first he asks how training was and you answer, but you can tell something is off and your stomach drops a little. And then you hear him say the words, “I’ve got cancer”. The hysteria of the following hours, days, weeks is indescribable.

Faced with an incurable disease, throughout it all, despite every hurdle, despite every time the goal posts have been moved, my Dad’s optimism and composure has never wavered. I’ve truly never felt more inspired by a person. By his physical strength and especially his mental strength.

To honour his fight and to channel that inspiration, I’ve committed to swimming the English Channel in 2026. 33km from England to France, battling cold water temperatures, unpredictable weather and strong currents, this challenge is more than just a personal feat - it’s my way of supporting my Dad’s ongoing battle.

Watching my dad battle stage 4 cancer has truly opened my eyes to just how critical cancer research truly is. The aggressive nature of his cancer would have been far more devastating without the advancements in immunotherapy, which have given him more time, a better quality of life and alleviated fear of relapse.

Cure Cancer AU is an organization that holds a special place in my heart. As an Australian-based initiative, they are dedicated to funding essential cancer research and supporting groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs that bring us closer to a cure. Their work offers hope to families like mine, facing the uncertainty of cancer. The urgency for a cure has never been greater, and with your support, we can help make a meaningful difference in the lives of those battling cancer.

If you'd like to support this journey in any way, I’ve set up a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of the swim and contribute to my dad's ongoing treatment. Any contribution, no matter the size, would mean the world to us. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Cure Cancer AU, to help fund vital cancer research and bring us one step closer to a cure. Your support, in any form, is deeply appreciated and will make a real difference. ❤️