Carmel Sparke

2026 Summer Ocean Swim

I'm supporting cancer research and the health of people in Australia 

Roughly 1 in 2 of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. This is a statistic that we need to change. 

So, I've decided to take on a personal challenge with the support of CanToo, to raise funds along the way that could be life-changing. From supporting the ongoing health promotion work CanToo provides, to funding incredible, innovative early-career cancer researchers.

We desperately need to find more solutions to cancer, from prevention, to treatment, and ultimately a cure. Please support me on my journey with CanToo by donating to my fundraising page today!

Thank you for your support!

 

My Updates

Wild seas and men in grey suits

Sunday 25th Jan
Between the huge wells and the tragic shark-related events of the past week, it's been a pivoting kind of beach experience for all Sydney ocean lovers and CanTooers. 
Our CanToo beach session was wisely cancelled on Saturday January 17, as huge seas and storms lashed the coast. The resulting brackish water also attracted sharks, resulting in another pivot to the Mona Vale Pool this week, January 24. Coach Nicky and those awesome water safety youngsters helped make it a fun, worthwhile session. Just two weeks to go until Bondi... Thanks to all you lovely people who've generously donated. None of this happens without you. 

It's a hottie

Monday 12th Jan
Heatwave Saturday and it was a stinker - even out at Mona Vale. With a crazy hot wind and burning sand,  the water was the place to be, despite that shore dump. 
Now into the back third of the program, lessons continued to be learned, in the water and out.
 In the water, I learned go early, commit and stick with Dan and Deb, and the waves won't get you. 
Out of the water, I learned not to put my Cantoo fundraising granola in jars when two  fell onto concrete, shattering into a hot mess of glass and baked oats, nuts and coconut. Trips to the SLSC, a broom, a spade and the help of fellow Cantooers had it sorted. 
Changing the vessel to paper bags in future. Shout out to Lisa and Caroline who helped me out with fundraising tips and kindly bought a jar each!

Thank you to everyone who has made a donation towards my goal

$33.15

Ange Gibson & Family

Go Carmel! Wishing you all the very best!

$100

Jacqui Franchi

Well done Carmel, you got this !

$54.12

The Noble’s

Well done Carmel. You are a legend for a great cause

$54.12

Sarah Gullotta

Go Carmel! I believe in you 😊

$106.12

Megan Rushton

Well done, Carms. I’m super impressed that someone who dislikes fish is happily swimming amongst them.

$22.58

Lisa G

Your granola is keeping me going

$54.12

John Grace

$50

Trina Deguara

Go Sparkle … you are amazing - great cause - great gal

$106.12

Genevieve Porter

You're nearly over the line Carmzy! Keep swimming

$54.12

Frances Scroope

Good Luck Carmel!

$106.12

Lucy + Rohan

Great cause, great swimmer!

$106.12

M Walsh

Go Carmel!

$106.12

Catherine Sanders

Good on you! See you in the sea!

$54.12

Caroline Stevenson

Good luck with the swim

$11.65

Lisa Griffin

Good luck Carmel

$54.12

Carolyn Pittorino

Go Mrs Sparkle!

$54.12

Tim & Francine

You’ve got this!! Big heart, big swim. Go well!

$106.12

Leah Thomas

So inspiring Carm, well done!

$22.58

Isobel King

Good job mumsy!

$54.12

Leanne Almond

Go girl

$52.92

Kerry Galvin

Go Carm!

$54.12

Carmel Sparke

Go us!

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