A year of swimming commitment

FOR 365 consecutive days, a Bellarine father and daughter have jumped in the water to raise money for the Think Pink Foundation.

Justin and Madi Moran have spent the past year swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, creeks, dams, or pools, no matter the weather conditions, all without a wetsuit.

This is the second time Mr Moran has completed the challenge. The first, in 2020, he took on alone, but this year he has been joined by his 16-year-old daughter.

Mr Moran said completing the challenge as a team was the most enjoyable part of the experience.

“I’ve found it’s been really, really good for our connection. That friendship that you develop with your kids as well, it’s expanded on that.

“It’s just become a really, really good experience for her and I and our family as a unit.”

The two swimmers didn’t bat an eye when it came to jumping in on cold winter mornings, braving the conditions in rain, hail or shine.

Wetsuits were also off limits throughout the challenge, considered to be cheating by Mr Moran, who was aiming to stay as true to form as he could.

For the pair, swimming each day offered a moment of mindfulness, a time to only think about the water.

“You’re not thinking about stress, you’re not thinking about whatever at work, you’re just thinking about what you’re about to do; you’re in this relaxed state,” Mr Moran said.

“The weird part is that you become more worried about going in than coming out, because you know as soon as you come out, you’re full of energy.

“It’s almost like a second layer of skin, you have this sort of buzz and you’ve got this energised feeling that feels amazing.”

To donate to the fundraiser, head to personalchallenge.gofundraise.com.au/page/Lauren-69630619