For a long time, Judy knew exactly who she was. She was the mum who never missed a game. The volunteer who always put her hand up to help, the organiser behind the fundraiser, the coach on the sidelines.
Somewhere along the way, she had lost touch with another part of herself - the competitive swimmer who loved the ocean, enjoyed a challenge, and wanted to feel strong again.
When CanToo entered her life, Judy thought she was signing up for a swim program. Instead, she found something much bigger: a community that reminded her she could still grow, challenge herself and make a difference.
Before CanToo
Judy grew up in the surf, competed as a swimmer and has spent much of her life around sport. Outside the water, she built a career in hospitality and business while raising three children.
At the same time, cancer was becoming an increasingly personal part of Judy's story, as she experienced the loss of her friend’s 11-year-old son, as well as several close family friends, to the disease.
So, when a friend suggested joining CanToo, Judy admits that the answer was a no brainer. She wanted to reconnect with swimming. She wanted to do something for herself. And she wanted to support a cause that had become deeply meaningful to her.
She remembers thinking "maybe it's time for me to do something for me, instead of for the kids. I felt like I needed the exercise. For me, it was a win-win."
The radical act of doing something for yourself
In 2021, Judy joined her first CanToo ocean swim program and instantly connected with the participants and Coaches. Five years on, she still speaks so fondly of the CanToo community, saying, “I’ve made some great friends and I love the fact that it’s my own thing. I love that there’s all sorts of people trying to do something for themselves, while also helping a worthwhile cause.”
As the years went by, Judy stayed committed through late-night city training sessions, chilly winter swims and the inevitable challenges that come with balancing life, work and family. Friends and family came and went, but Judy remained a constant, building her fitness and confidence one program at a time.
A few years into her journey, Judy was invited to become a Team Captain and Mentor - roles that she embraced wholeheartedly while continuing to fundraise for the cause she cares so deeply about. For her, the most rewarding part is watching people discover what they’re capable of. "I love seeing people push themselves outside their comfort zone," she says. "I love seeing people who haven't been in the water for years challenge themselves and conquer incredible swims... Everyone's got something that bothers them in their mind, and I love seeing people rise above that."
She credits CanToo’s Coaches for creating a supportive environment from day one. "The Coaches are amazing - skilled, consistent, understanding and caring. They know how to pick up on people's insecurities and fears around the water and help them work through those challenges."
Judy's CanToo connections extend well beyond the pool, with friendships that have grown into holidays, adventures and even an 18km ocean swim together. For Judy, that's the magic of CanToo: a community that not only helps people become better swimmers, but braver versions of themselves.
Raising funds and awareness
In her first program, Judy fundraised nearly $2,500. Inspired by the impact she could make while doing something she loved, she remembers thinking "this is for me!"
Over the years, she's organised Bunnings BBQs, raffles and trivia nights which have become an annual event. Now, she’s working on her next fundraising milestone: $20,000.
She knows asking people for donations isn't always easy, but she’s learnt that generosity often starts with simply having the courage to ask. Her fundraising tip? “If you can give something to people for the money they're giving, they feel like it's a better deal.”
Having witnessed the impact of cancer on her loved ones and heard the stories of fellow CanToo participants, Judy knows that every training session, fundraiser and stroke in the water represents something bigger than a finish line. Before every event, she writes the name of someone she's swimming for on her arm - a simple ritual that keeps her purpose clear.
"Each year and each swim, you think about the people that you've lost that can't do it, or the people who are sick and can't. Writing a name on your arm reminds you why you're doing it. It helps take your mind off the pain or the rough conditions."
Because of CanToo
“One thing I’ve learnt about myself during my time at CanToo is that it’s so much better to focus on what your body can do rather than what it looks like.” Judy acknowledges that she still sometimes battles against the “middle age mentality of ‘I can’t” but reiterates that “You can always talk yourself out of things, but when you think about the people that can’t and would love to, it gives you some perspective.”
As a loved member of the CanToo community, Judy places emphasis on leaning on your fellow friends and participants for support. She encourages others to “be honest about what you’re scared about so that those around you can lift you up, support you, and help you deal with it. The community have seen it all before. Be vulnerable and you’ll be safe, physically and emotionally.”
Inspired by Judy’s journey? Join CanToo’s Summer Ocean Swim program to set a goal, build confidence, make new connections and fundraise for cancer research.
