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Lou Gumb

Help me reach my goal of $1,000

MY CHALLENGE

FUNDRAISING

I've Raised:

$2369

My Goal:

$1,000

KILOMETRES

I've Swum:

31.10km

My Goal:

18km

I'M SWIMMING FOR Strength. Fighting for Change.

I’m swimming to raise money for breast cancer research. Each day, I add more kilometres. Every stroke reminds me of the strength it takes to face breast cancer. What I’m doing in the pool is nothing compared to the endurance of those fighting and surviving it. 1 in 7 women will face breast cancer in their lifetime. That statistic is not acceptable. Your donation fuels research, hope, and a future where fewer women hear the words “you have breast cancer.” Help me reach the finish line - every dollar counts.

My Activity Tracking

31
kms

My target 18 kms

Support my challenge to swim for breast cancer!

Every day in Australia, nine lives are lost to breast cancer. Nine stories cut short. Nine families changed forever. This November, I will swim a minimum of 18km in memory of one of them - my mother-in-law, my dearest friend. Her strength, grace, and laughter still echo in the spaces she once filled. She’ll be in my thoughts with every stroke, along with the many families who’ve lost someone they love far too soon.

Thank you for your support.

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Reach My Goal

Raised

$2,369

My Goal

$1,000

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Making a splash for breast cancer

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Rising Star:
First donation

Shining Star:
Raised $200

Superstar:
Raised $500

All-Star:
Raised $1000

Pink Hero Club:
Raised $1500

Reached
fundraising goal

First activity
logged

Halfway to
KM goal

Achieved
KM goal

My Updates

Day 18 - Just keep swimming… and counting

Tuesday 18th Nov
A friend sent me a Nemo meme today - “just keep swimming, just keep swimming” -and honestly, that’s exactly what goes through my head sometimes in the pool. Other times, it’s nothing but numbers: laps, strokes, technique.

Since starting this challenge, I’ve been getting swimming lessons - little tweaks here, little tweaks there - and wow, what a difference it’s made. But one thing I still don’t have is fancy tech strapped to my arm tracking every stroke. So I’ve had to invent my own system.

Here’s how I do it in the 25m pool:
• One lap = there and back (50m).
• I tap the wall each time to keep count. First tap = 1, next tap = 2, and so on.
• I repeat this until I’ve done 20 laps (40 lengths), which gets me to 1km.
• At that point, goggles go on top of my head = one kilometre banked.
• Then I rest, reset, and start the whole process again.

It’s not glamorous, but it works. And it keeps me honest when the laps start blurring together. 

21km down and plenty of time for your precious donations! 
You donate = I’ll swim. Deal?

Day 14: 18km in 14 days – a gift of kindness

Friday 14th Nov
Today I reached my target: 18km in 14 days. 16 days ahead of schedule. But the most beautiful part of this milestone isn’t the number itself - it’s the way it happened, shaped by the kindness of strangers.

I jumped in the pool after work, planning to swim 1km today and 1km tomorrow. Halfway through, at 450m, a mighty storm rolled in. Lightning, thunder, and the lifeguards ushering everyone out. I thought, well, that’s it, I’ll finish tomorrow.

Instead, I moved into the recovery pool to deep-water run for 20 minutes. While I was there, one of the lifeguards struck up a conversation with another woman. She turned to me and asked if I’d managed to get my laps done. I explained I hadn’t, and that I was determined to finish my 2km today because I’m swimming 18km to raise money for breast cancer research.

She looked at me and said, “You really want to do it, don’t you?” I nodded. And then, from the kindness of her heart, she organised a lane for me in the learner pool. She even did the maths - 20 metres per length, 40 return laps to make up the distance. She stayed until the end, cheering me on and taking a photo when I finished.

That generosity moved me deeply. And as I drove away from the aquatic centre, the sky opened into the most brilliant rainbow. For me and my daughter, rainbows always carry the memory of her Nonni (grandmother) - my mother-in-law - who we lost to breast, lung, and bone cancer. To finish my 18km with that rainbow felt like a gift, a sign, a reminder of why this challenge matters.

I am more than grateful. This journey has been about more than swimming laps - it’s about community, kindness, memory, and hope. We live in a beautiful world, and today I felt it in every stroke.

Day 13: 3km PB and festival prep

Thursday 13th Nov
Personal best today - 3km in the pool! That’s right, just me and the black line, and heck load of sore muscles! 

Why 3km? I hear you ask. Well, I’ll have you know I’m determined to hit 18km by the 15th, which marks the halfway point of this challenge. Why? Because I’ve got a big weekend ahead: Crowded House, The Church, The Waifs, and Angus & Julia Stone, etc etc with a crew of my bestest friends.

So essentially I’m front-loading the dedication now for a guilt-free festival later. But don’t worry - I’m not done. I’ll be back in the pool next week, adding more laps and maybe even swimming a few in your honour.

Still chasing that $3K goal. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to donate, this is it. Help me turn laps into life-changing research. Let’s do this.

$2314 down, $686 to go

Thursday 13th Nov
We’re in the final stretch, folks. So far I’ve swum through foggy goggles, rogue noodles, lightning storms, and lane walkers - and we’ve raised $2314 for breast cancer research.

But I’ve got my sights set on $3000. That’s just $686 away.

If you’ve been meaning to donate, now’s the time. If you’ve already donated and want to throw in a cheeky top-up, I’ll swim an extra lap in your honour. Maybe even two.

Every dollar helps fund research, support, and a future with fewer breast cancer diagnoses. Plus, it keeps me accountable when I’d rather be horizontal.

Let’s hit that $3K. I’ll keep swimming. You keep backing me. Deal?

Day 10: Lightning strikes and a quick exit

Monday 10th Nov
I was finally feeling my stride in the pool today - rhythm, kick, little bubbles. And then… lightning ????

Gold Coast weather decided to throw a dramatic exit cue, and I was chased out of the pool mid-lap.

Only managed 750m before the lifeguards gave the “everyone out” wave. Dang it.

Still, grateful for the almost metre I got in - and for not being turned into a human lightning rod. Back at it tomorrow, weather permitting.

Day 9: Forgetful Sunday

Monday 10th Nov
Yesterday: Forgot it was Sunday. Forgot the pool closes at 4pm. Rolled in at 3:15 like I had all the time in the world. Also forgot to blog! 

No carparks - because Church was on next door and apparently everyone drives. It was raining. I was flustered. But I made it.

And the reward? A whole lane to myself. Just me and the water, racing the clock and dodging raindrops.

Short 1km swim, big win. Thanks to everyone still backing this challenge - your support makes even the soggy Sundays worth it.

Day 8: 2km and 2 new swim mates

Saturday 8th Nov
After skipping yesterday’s swim, I hit the pool today with a bit of guilt and a lot of determination - and knocked out 2km. Felt good. Felt earned.

But the real win? I met two other swimmers raising money for breast cancer research. What are the odds? It felt like finding teammates in the wild.

Gaz, one of them, is absolutely powering through his kilometre goal. We swapped stories, shared a few laughs, and admired each other’s commitment (even if I was the only one rocking the pink gear).

Thanks again to everyone who’s donated. You’ve helped push the total to $2314 and made this challenge feel like a movement. Let’s keep swimming. Over half way - woohoo!

Day 7: Tuckered out but still buzzing

Friday 7th Nov
Descending into guilt but no swim today - I’m a wee-bit tuckered out. The goggles are resting. The thongs are accounted for. The pool will survive without me - for one day.

Despite all of the muscle weariness, I’m still riding the high of hitting $2208 in donations. That’s more than double my original target, and it’s all thanks to you kind-hearted legends.

Apparently I’m now in the top 50 fundraisers. Which is wild. You did that. Your donations, your shares, your support - it’s powering research, hope, and a future with fewer breast cancer diagnoses.

Back in the pool tomorrow. For now, I’m horizontal and proud.

Day 6: Double donations, double buzz

Thursday 6th Nov
Today was Double Donation Day, which means every dollar after 9am got magically multiplied by some very generous humans!

It’s just turned 9pm and I’ve only just checked my fundraising total and… $2058! You absolute legends. Friends, work mates, family, and the kindness of strangers, you know who you are! You’ve turned this swim challenge into something incredible.

Watching the donations ping in today got me so buzzed that I knocked out another 1km after work, and right before pottery (because nothing says “balance” like chlorinated hair and clay under your nails).

Had the whole lane to myself, which felt like winning the swim lottery. - no lane walkers today!. Just me, the water, and a very odd head down, extended strokes, fast kicks, breathe, avoiding bubbles - kind of like patting your head and rubbing your belly, hopping on one foot, while your head is under water.

Also: lost my thongs. Found my thongs. #winning 

Day 5: New goggles, same chaos

Thursday 6th Nov
Yesterday’s swim was a mix of triumph and mild humiliation.

First, the triumph: I got my new breast cancer research goggles. They’re pink, they’re powerful, and they don’t leak like my old ones (which had basically turned into tiny bathtubs strapped to my face).

Then, the chaos: a man in my lane was walking every second lap and still catching up to me. I don’t know how. Physics can’t explain it.

After a maddening day at work, that 1km swim was exactly what I needed. I burned off the stress, dodged the aquatic pedestrian, and didn’t drown. That’s a win.

Donate if you want to support breast cancer research - and my ongoing battle with pool lane mysteries.

Day 4: Longest swim yet (with a little help)

Tuesday 4th Nov
Today I swam the furthest I’ve ever swum: 2.2km. Okay fine - technically it was 2km, and then another 200m during a swimming lesson. Yes, I get swimming lessons. No, I’m not training for the Olympics. I haven’t been swimming laps that long, which makes this whole challenge even more meaningful.

I’m doing it to raise money for breast cancer research, and every metre counts. Even the ones where I’m being told to fix my kick.

Big shoutout to my work colleagues who donated today - you legends. Thanks for backing me. I feel lucky to be surrounded by good humans who invest in the cause (and in me, even when I’m flailing mid-lap).

Day 3: I’m already tired!

Monday 3rd Nov
600m in the pool this morning. I’m still new to this whole lap-swimming thing, and by lap 3 of the 50m, my body was already yelling, “What are you doing to me?” Pretty sure I said it out loud - got a smile and a giggle from the swimmer next to me, which felt more like solidarity than mockery. I’ve set 600m as my daily minimum to hit the end of November deadline, but I’m aiming to get back to 1.5km tomorrow - I promise. 

If you’re reading this, please pay a donation for more silly swimming antics. 

Day 2: 1km, $1098 raised

Sunday 2nd Nov
Just knocked out another kilometre today. Every stroke reminds me of the strength it takes to face breast cancer. What I’m doing in the pool is nothing compared to the endurance of those fighting and surviving it.

Thanks to some incredible support, I’ve already hit my first $1000 fundraising target. Huge shoutout to everyone who’s backed me so far - you’ve helped turn laps into impact.

Now I’m pushing for $1500. Every donation fuels research, hope, and a future where fewer women face this diagnosis. Let’s keep going.

Day 1: Lets go!

Saturday 1st Nov
1.5km down, 16.5km to go! $50 off my $1000 target. Who will get me there?

Thank you to my Sponsors

$189.90

Jack And Miah Kesby

$106.12

Sue Swinburne

$106.12

Kimberly Hurditch

This is awesome Lou <3

$106.12

Anonymous

$106.12

Lou Gumb

$106.12

Tracy Middleton

What a beautiful tribute, cheering you on every stroke

$106.12

Anonymous

Thanks

$103.72

Jessica

Proud of you !! Don’t forget your goggles 😉

$100

Gra Murdoch

xx

$54.12

Jo Box

You got this Lou!

$54.12

Marcus Lord

$54.12

Matched Donation

$54.12

Janine Hyde

Just keep swimming just keep swimming 😃😃

$54.12

Michelle Lauder

Go Lou! Great cause. Xx

$54.12

Dave Immerz

$53.52

Greg H

Swim, Louise, swim!

$52.92

Mel Fisher

$50.86

Facebook Donation

$43.60

Jodie Adams

What a great effort for a good cause Lou Lou. You’re incredible 💜

$43.60

Gilltraps

Hi Lou. Much respect for your actions from the Gilltrap family.

$43.60

Carruthers

Great work Lou xx

$43.60

Sarah Kaplan

$43.60

Joanne Bridges

$43.60

Sam Mcdonald

Go LOU!!!

$43.60

Morgan

$43.60

Marina Popko

$43.60

Vicki Notman

Go, you good thing ❤️

$40

Emma Viccars

Go girl 🏊‍♀️

$33.15

Maria Fragatti

Swimming 18km is an incredible effort! My mum is a survivor, and as I approach the age when she was diagnosed, I'm reminded of how important early detection and research are. You are doing something truly meaningful!

$27.81

Mal

What a worthy cause, Lou. You are an inspiration. Good luck (not that you need it!). x

$27.81

Matched Donation

$27.81

Tracy Pendergast

$27.81

Rachel Hogan

$27.81

Matched Donation

$25

Jodie Keys

$25

Sue Robbins

$25

Michael Bruce

$22.58

Carol Potts

$22.58

Sam Glasby

$22.58

Bailey Vidler

Well done Lou!

$22.58

Matched Donation

$22.58

Rachael Vincent

Go Lou!

$20

Joshua M

$20

Matched Donation

$12.50

Jacqueline Hartley

You're Ah-Ma-Zing!! Go Lou!! We're all cheering you on x

$11.65

Gem Makiiti

Love you x

I am swimming 18km in memory of my mum, Elaine