CanToo Event Day – Maroubra Beach

What a Morning!

Excitement, nerves, and plenty of chatter filled the car as Jane, Ursula, and I made our way from the Northern Beaches to Maroubra for our big Event Day. We’d been up most of the night listening to the heavy rain and thunderstorms pounding down. Our coaches had warned us: the event could only be cancelled for lightning, torrential rain causing pollution, or if water safety was compromised. Otherwise, we were swimming!

Nervous but excited and keen to get wet, the three of us were ready for our 1km swim. After registering and getting ourselves sorted, we watched the 500m swimmers hit the water. Some of the "grommies" – as young as 12 – charged into the wild seas, eager to be the first over the line and claim the $500 prize. Watching the older crews head out made me feel a bit more nervous — the waves looked fierce. As they came back in safely, many said it felt as tough as a 1km swim out there!

Just as we were getting ready to head in, the weather turned again. Squalls rolled through, sending the water safety crew scrambling after buoys that had broken free and drifted down the beach. We were asked to evacuate while four different risk assessment teams evaluated the situation.

After 45 minutes of deliberation — and another squall that had everyone ducking under tents and holding everything down — the tough call was made: the event was cancelled. The risk rating had hit 29, classified as EXTREME, and by 10:20am, it was official.

It was a bittersweet moment. You could feel both relief and sadness in the air. All that training, the build-up, the nerves... and yet, the ocean had made the call for us.

The organisers, showing incredible generosity, offered to honour everyone’s registration for next year’s event — something not normally done. There were pats on the back, "next year, mate" promises, a few team photos, and loud, heartfelt shoutouts to the organisers, water safety crews, and CanToo team.

But it wasn’t all disappointment — the CanToo spirit kicked in quickly. It turns out there’s another event next weekend — not officially affiliated with CanToo, but several of us have signed up! It’s the swim from Turrimetta Beach to Warriewood Beach around the headland and past the blowhole — a 1.5km challenge. So, instead of my planned 1km, I’m stepping it up — registration is done, and I’m ready to go!

I’ll be back next weekend with my final blog after that swim... and as for Maroubra? I’ll definitely be back next year to tackle it again!

Final Swim, Final Push – Just $185 to Go!

Hi everyone,

What a journey it’s been! From pool sessions at Warringah Aquatic Centre to wave training at Manly Beach, this CanToo ocean swim experience has been rewarding, humbling, and at times, exhausting. As we head into our final week, I’m just $185 away from reaching my fundraising target—and I’d love your help to get there.

Every dollar goes directly to CanToo’s life-saving cancer research programs, supporting brilliant early-career researchers who are working on the next generation of treatments. I want to thank all of you who have already donated—your support means everything. Without it, these programs simply wouldn’t exist.

Last weekend’s training was cancelled due to Cyclone Tam, which brought dangerous surf conditions and, sadly, several tragedies along the coast. To add to the challenge, I had a bike accident that kept me out of the pool briefly, but I’m back in action now. We’ve got one final prep session this Saturday at Manly with our fantastic coach, Magic Mike, who’ll guide us through a light swim and share his tips for event day.

Event Day: This Sunday at South Maroubra

I’ll be at the CanToo tent around 8 am, ready to take on the 1km ocean swim—hopefully without fins, which has been a personal goal of mine since day one. I’ll make that call based on the conditions and how I’m feeling post-bike stack.

If you’re in the area, come down and say hello. The event kicks off at 9 am, and the energy on the day is always incredible. It’s a powerful reminder of what we’re doing this for—supporting researchers, honouring those affected by cancer, and pushing our own limits for something bigger than ourselves.

Donate Now – Just $185 to Go

Your donation, no matter the size, directly supports researchers like:

• Dr. Oliver Schumacher – exploring how exercise can enhance radiotherapy for prostate cancer

• Prof. David Gallego Ortega – developing immunotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer

• Dr. Joshua Tobin – studying immune response in lymphoma

• Dr. Vasilios Panagopoulos – researching treatments for multiple myeloma

• Prof. David Ziegler – testing therapies for childhood brain cancers

These are real people doing real work that could change lives—and they need our support.

So, if you’ve been thinking about donating, now is the time. Help me close that final $185 gap and make every stroke in the ocean count toward a cancer-free future.

With gratitude,

Fionna

#CanToo #SwimForCancer #EveryStrokeCounts #WhyNot

Benchmark Breakthroughs & Ocean Vibes

Tuesday night was benchmarking night—which meant swimming 1km non-stop in the pool and timing it. When I first started the program, I could just make it to 500m before "Lefty" (my left arm) would call it quits. I'd end up kicking on my back to give the small muscles in my neck and back a rest.

But this week—I did it. I swam 1km in 10 minutes and 18 seconds. In a controlled environment, sure—but still, 1km! I’m no Olympian, but I’m absolutely thrilled with the progress.

Saturday was another beautiful morning out at the beach. It was Mock Event Day, where the coaches mimic the actual swim event to help us get a feel for race conditions. It was all about finding your rhythm, keeping your breath steady, and imagining you're an electric vehicle—smooth and quiet—not a revving V8 engine!

We saw rays, fish, and lots of smiling faces. The vibe was relaxed and fun, with plenty of good chat and prep for the big day:
Sunday, April 26 at Maroubra, hosted by Ocean Swims in conjunction with the South Maroubra Surf Club.
Event Details Here:https://www.southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au/ocean-swim.html#schedule

Next Saturday is Easter Saturday, so there’s no official session—but some of the team are planning swims at Balmoral or the Bold and Beautiful (Manly to Shelly Beach). However you spend it—enjoy the hot cross buns, the Easter eggs, and the break!

PS: Miss Adele (my furry rescue girl) is doing so well—she’s back to her cheeky, happy self again.

Finding Rhythm in the Chaos – A CanToo Journey

The last few weeks have been a challenge, to say the least. Our Saturday beach session on the 29th was cancelled due to the remnants of ex-TC Alfred. Torrential rain had left Sydney’s coastline battered, the water polluted, and our beloved training beach unsafe. It was disheartening.

On top of that, I couldn’t make it to the pool session either. Life threw another curveball—this time, much closer to home. I learned that cancer doesn’t only touch humans. My little rescue dog, Miss Adele, had to undergo surgery on Monday after a lump was found. It was an emotional week. Sleepless nights caring for her left me drained, both physically and emotionally. But I’m grateful to say the surgery was a success. She’s bounced back with her usual sass, and seeing her healing gives me strength, too.

So this morning, I was up early—determined to start fresh. I made it to the beach in time to catch the sunrise. It was magical. The sky shifted from cool, sleepy tones into warm, golden light. As I sat quietly, I reflected on the week. I reminded myself why I’m here—not just for my personal challenge to grow stronger, but for the people I hold dear who’ve faced the battle of cancer with courage, whether they won or lost. Their strength is what carries me into the water each week.

Our pod gathered as the sky lit up, just as eager as I was to finally get back in the ocean. Today was special—we swam to Shelly Beach and back for the first time. As we waded in, members of the Bold and Beautiful swim group were coming out, chatting excitedly about what they’d seen: turtles, rays, and fish galore. The ocean was alive.

The swim was beautiful. We focused on rhythm, on breathing unilaterally, on staying calm and relaxed. The water was clear and warm, and the undersea world felt curious and free. I found a peaceful rhythm and, honestly, I could have just kept swimming forever.

Afterward, we celebrated with coffee and something extra special—Cooky’s birthday! A true CanToo legend. There were tequila shots, homemade orange and poppyseed cake, flowers, and champagne all around. It was one of those moments that reminded me how lucky we are to be part of this community—not just a training group, but a little family that lifts each other up.

We’ve got just three beach sessions left until event day at Maroubra. That means only a few more weeks to hit our fundraising targets and make a difference for cancer research. Every swim, every sore muscle, every early morning is worth it—for the lives we remember, for those still fighting, and for a future without cancer.

Let’s keep going. For them. For each other.

#CanToo #SwimForLife #SunriseReflections #MissAdeleTheBrave

Halfway There – Drills, Birthdays & Big Why Moments

Tuesday night’s pool session focused on drills, distance and rhythm—we covered 1800m in 55 minutes. I'm definitely starting to feel stronger (even if Lefty still has a mind of her own!). We also took a moment to celebrate our pod members who have already hit their fundraising targets at this halfway point of our 10-week journey.

It was great hearing everyone's fundraising ideas—everything from luxe “Just Keep Swimming” embroidered beach towels, to hand-sewn ‘Hot Chilli’ wet zip bags, and even a homemade cheese-making event hosted by one of our clever pod swimmers. Absolute legends, the lot of them!

Saturday Ocean Swim – Rhythm, EVs & a Surprise Serenade 

Saturday’s session at Manly Beach was delightful. We kicked it off by singing Happy Birthday to one of our pod members—a full group singalong that drew a crowd and cheers from locals. Such a good vibe to start the day!

After numbering off, we swam 100m out and then followed instructions to head north along the beach, pairing up (thanks for the laughs, Jane!) and stopping for guidance along the way. Each leg had a focus:

1. Warm-up – settle into your rhythm

2. Breathing – “Don’t take all the oxygen in the world!”

3. In-shore return – time your entry and catch a wave if you can

4. Back out through the break – get comfortable in the chop

5. Return leg – reduce the “noise” (splash, kick, breath), stay calm and smooth

The call of the day? “Go from a V8 to an EV.” Now that’s an image! I started out more of a freight train if I’m honest… maybe finished somewhere between a V6 and V4—but hey, it’s progress!

We hit the shore with smiles, high fives all round, and of course, coffee. 

My Why – A Personal Reflection

This journey is about more than ocean swimming. It’s about pushing myself through physical and emotional challenges, and doing it with purpose.

In the past decade, I’ve lost close family members to Ewing’s Sarcoma, Pancreatic Cancer, and Lung Cancer, and supported far too many friends who’ve had cancer—some who’ve survived, and some we’ve had to say goodbye to.

I also had my own melanoma scare—on my foot, of all places. Surgery got it, thankfully, but complications with the skin graft meant I couldn’t walk for 6 months. I consider myself lucky.

On top of that, recovering from breaking my neck five years ago has been a journey in itself. My left arm ('Lefty') still struggles, and every swim session is a mental and physical push to keep it moving, keep breathing, and keep going.

That’s why CanToo means so much to me. It’s not just a swim program—it’s a community, it’s about building confidence, and most importantly, it funds lifesaving cancer research.

If you'd like to follow my journey or support me, head to my fundraising page

Ocean Swim Update – Small Wins, Big Gratitude

Pool benchmarking was postponed this week because the aquatic centre was being evacuated. We were about to get into it, but that didn’t stop us from catching up and celebrating those who hit their fundraising targets! I was recognised for reaching my initial goal of $995, and I have just extended my new target—help me reach this!

A huge thank you to all my sponsors—your support means so much. I think of you with every stroke, especially when I’m focusing on lifting my Lefty, keeping my kick strong… and remembering to breathe and find my rhythm!

This week, a few people reached out to say they had donated blood and plasma after seeing my updates—one even switched to plasma after learning the current levels were low. Every donation makes a difference for those battling cancer.

Back to the Ocean – A Perfect Day for a Swim

Today’s ocean session was amazing—great water temperature, small swell, and plenty of marine life! After numbering off onshore (safety drill—I was #3 this time—we do this every time we enter and exit the water at the start and end of a session), we swam 100m offshore, treaded water for our next instructions, and repeated the process.

The focus was on breath and rhythm, and our coach had some golden advice:
"When turning to breathe, only breathe in—don’t try to take all the oxygen in the world!" Simple but effective!

We also practiced shore entries and exits, and I logged the session on my Garmin—1.2km in total!

Best part? Spotting a turtle, a baby grey nurse shark (harmless!), stingrays, and loads of fish. Oh, and of course, coffee after! 

Fatigue, Progress & Small Wins

A special shout-out to Evan (love you Babycakes!) for helping me post-swim—I still fatigue A LOT, and just as I got to the car, my left arm and leg decided they were done! But the good news? I can see huge improvements in my overall health. Even my chiropractor sessions have stretched from weekly to every three weeks since starting this training!

For now, it’s nanna nap time before getting back to Uni assignments. Stay tuned for my benchmarking update, reflections on cancer, and why this challenge matters to me.

Keep smiling, and see you next update! 

#CanToo #OceanSwim #SmallWins #BloodDonation #BuildingStrength #SwimTraining

Progress Update – Building Strength & Navigating Challenges

Tuesday’s pool session was tricky, but I can feel myself getting stronger! My coach has been moving me up swim lanes, which is a great sign of progress. I can manage 45 minutes without fins before Lefty (my weaker left arm) completely tanks out. Adding fins helps me glide through the water, making it easier to focus on my timing, arms, legs, and breathing. Small wins!

Saturday’s Beach Session – Called Off for Safety 

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred brewing offshore, Sydney’s beaches were closed due to massive swell. Our pro volunteers made the very wise call not to take us out into the cyclonic conditions—definitely the right decision! But that didn’t mean we got off without training…

We were encouraged to find a pool and complete a swim session, which looked like this:

- Swim 8 mins - Rest 2 mins
- Swim 6 mins - Rest 90 secs
- Swim 4 mins - Rest 60 secs
- Swim 2 mins - Full recovery
- Swim 10 mins - Finish strong!

I did it… but wow, pacing myself was a real learning curve! To top it off, Marine Rescue was training in the next lane, and when they bailed out their rescue craft, I copped a mouthful of water just as I came up for air! I really need to practice unilateral breathing, which I find challenging due to my neck and breathing on my right side.

Supporting Cancer Patients – Beyond Donations

Not everyone can contribute financially, and that’s okay. There are so many ways to support those battling cancer—and trust me, every small act makes a difference. I’ve had loved ones and dear friends go through cancer, some making it to remission and others who we miss dearly. 

During those times, I learned that it truly takes a village to support someone through it. Some meaningful ways to help include:

- Meal drives – Helping with food when energy is low
- School runs – Taking the kids to and from school
- A cuppa & chat – Sometimes, just being there is enough
- Blood & plasma donations – A game changer for cancer patients

With TC Alfred, I saw a news flash that Red Cross is critically low on blood, and I know plasma is crucial for cancer treatment, too. If you’re looking for a way to help, book a donation and kick back with my next blog while you give the red stuff!  Find a location here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/

Next Up – Pool Benchmarking… Will I Make It? 

Stay tuned to see if I can push through the next challenge!

#CanToo #OceanSwim #FundraisingForACause #BuildingStrength #SwimTraining #BloodDonationsSaveLives

Diving into the Ocean – Waves, Technique & Community

On Saturday, I got a taste of ocean swimming—and wow, it’s a different game from the pool! Navigating waves, currents, and open water brings a new challenge every session. I’m quickly learning that technique, confidence, and mindset are just as important as fitness. "Lefty" wasn't as useless this session!

We had some solid wave periods, so our pro instructors—still getting to know everyone—decided to take our newly formed pod for a walk to Fairy Bower. From there, we jumped in and practised swimming out and around, water safety a volunteer on a board. It was about 50m out,  just enough to get the feel of the conditions. We did this several times.

In the water, we talked about technique—how it’s all about rhythm, not speed. The key is rolling the body as you glide through the water, staying smooth and controlled. I saw plenty of fish, a few stingrays, and—well, I didn’t say at the time—but I saw a wobbegong shark! Just chilling on the bottom, watching us swim past like the puppy dog of the sea - harmless!

One thing that stood out was the incredible support from the CanToo volunteers. From beach and water safety tips to encouragement for those new to the program, they are the heart of this community. Whether it’s first-time ocean swimmers or seasoned pros, everyone is looked after with expert guidance and a whole lot of enthusiasm.

We also had some great discussions around fundraising ideas and the cancer research programs CanToo is supporting. It’s inspiring to see how every dollar raised directly funds early-career cancer researchers, helping to make a real impact. CanToo makes fundraising easy with:

- A fundraising page with tips and tricks
- Nutrition programs to support training
- Online yoga programs to keep the body strong and flexible
- Awesome merch!

Speaking of merch, I love their newly designed swimsuits, made in collaboration with Live and Breathe Active, a fantastic Sydney-based company that shares CanToo’s values. If you haven’t checked them out, have a look at their story here: https://liveandbreatheactive.com/pages/our-values.

This journey is about so much more than swimming—it’s about community, resilience, and making a difference. If you’re considering an ocean swim but feel a little unsure, I can’t recommend CanToo enough!

Looking forward to my next session—who knows what the ocean will teach me next? Oh, and the best part? A coffee after! 

#CanToo #OceanSwim #BeachTraining #WaterSafety #SwimTechnique #Community #FundraisingForACause #LiveAndBreatheActive

Grateful and a Little Shocked!

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed so far—I’m almost at my initial fundraising target! I’m honestly a little in shock at the generosity and support.

This challenge is about more than just swimming for me. CanToo is such a great cause, and in future posts, I’ll share more about how cancer has impacted my family, myself, and why this journey means so much to me.

For now, I just want to say thank you again. Your support is driving me forward (even when my left arm refuses to cooperate after training!).

More to come soon 
Fi

First Pool Session – Hitting the Water!

It felt great to get back in the water for my first pool session! There's something about that first dive in—cool, refreshing, and a little bit of a wake-up call.

It was fantastic to see so many eager faces, all ready to tackle the warm-up and drills. The energy was contagious, and I loved the mix of excitement and determination in the group.

Before we got started, we had a quick chat, and I got to hear some of the reasons why others had signed up for this challenge. From personal fitness goals to overcoming fears of open water, everyone had their own motivation. One story really stood out—one of the swimmers in our pod first joined CanToo as a newly arrived ‘Pommie’ back in 2011. She didn’t know how to swim at the time and was determined not to end up on Bondi Rescue! Fast forward to today, and she competes in ocean marathons around the world. She’s stayed with the program ever since and had some great tips for newbies like me.

As for me—gosh, my left arm ('Lefty') was done after the session. Weak, sore, and completely useless. Let’s just say hair and makeup for work the next day was… interesting. It took forever! But that’s all part of the challenge, right?

Looking forward to the next session Saturday morning at Manly Beach—bring it on! 

Why CanToo?

Since 2005, CanToo has raised over $35 million and funded 160+ research grants to support early-career cancer researchers. Their work is critical—less than 20% of health and medical research grants go to early-career researchers, yet their discoveries are shaping the future of cancer treatment.

This year, CanToo is funding five incredible researchers working on life-changing projects, including: 

? Dr. Oliver Schumacher – Studying how exercise can enhance radiotherapy for prostate cancer. 

? Prof. David Gallego Ortega – Developing an immunotherapy for aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. 

? Dr. Joshua Tobin – Investigating how lipid metabolism affects immune response in lymphoma. 

? Dr. Vasilios Panagopoulos – Exploring new treatments for multiple myeloma to prevent disease progression. 

? Prof. David Ziegler – Testing a dual-treatment approach for aggressive childhood brain cancers.

Your donations directly support their work and could lead to ground-breaking treatments for people facing cancer today.

Every stroke I take in this ocean swim reminds me of how far I’ve come—and how far we can go in supporting cancer research. Cancer affects so many lives, and breakthroughs in treatment don’t happen without dedicated researchers and the funding to help them.

So, why not push myself? Why not challenge limits? Why not make a difference?

By supporting CanToo, we're not just backing research—we're investing in hope, progress, and a future where fewer families face the heartbreak of cancer. If I can take on this challenge, I hope it inspires others to ask themselves, Why not?

Why I’m Taking on This Ocean Swim Challenge

Five years ago, I broke my neck. Recovery has been a journey of resilience, and every milestone has been a reminder of how far I’ve come. Two years in, I celebrated with a four-week snowboarding trip to Japan—my legs got stronger, my balance improved, and I stopped falling so much. But my upper body still struggles, especially my left arm due to a C4/5 injury.

Now, I’m taking on an ocean swim to rebuild strength in my back and arms. Swimming forces my muscles to engage differently, helping me regain control and endurance. It’s not just a physical challenge—it’s a personal milestone, a way to keep pushing forward, and another thank-you to Evan, my rock through it all.

Here’s to getting stronger, one stroke at a time. See you in the water.
Fi

I'm supporting cancer research and prevention with Can Too Foundation. 

1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. This means that potentially someone we love may have to battle cancer, and that's a statistic that needs to change. 

So I asked myself, "what can I do to help?" That's where the Can Too Foundation came in! Can Too provides professionally coached training programs for participants of any fitness level to run, swim and cycle their way to a healthier lifestyle and a cancer-free world. 

In return, I am raising valuable funds that go towards innovation in the prevention, care, and control of cancer. Since 2005, Can Too Foundation has trained over 22,000 participants and raised over $30,000,000 to invest in over 150 cancer research grants.

It would be fantastic if you could sponsor me, or even better join me in a program!

Thank you for your support!