Laps for mental health

Article in Midland Express Published 12 Sept 2023.

Sarah Lungu comes from a family swimmers – all keen to join her for this year's challenge.

Swimmers are preparing to make laps for youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the Lap it Up challenge from October 1-15.

The challenge began in 2018 when father-daughter duo, Sean and Kirsten McKinney, hosted an event at Gisborne with the aim to run a continual relay and swim 2866 laps – being the number of Australians who suicided in 2016.

Woodend-based health promotion charity Youth Live4Life is proud to continue the McKinney’s legacy in 2023.

“Lap it Up not only promotes a healthy mind and body, it fosters connections and camaraderie, encouraging participants to strive for their very best both in and out of the water,” said Youth Live4Life’s Cheryl Eyssens.

All funds raised go towards Youth Live4Life’s youth mental health and suicide prevention initiatives to help reach more youths.

Macedon Ranges swimmer Sarah Lungu has enjoyed doing laps since she was tiny and in her late teens she became a swim instructor and lifeguard – she even taught swimming in Manchester in the UK and at summer camp in New York State.

She finds swimming calming and a great form of exercise, and will taking up this year’s challenge with her whole family.

“Swimming helps me with both my physical and mental health, and I find swimming in the ocean and river to be so beneficial for my wellbeing,” she said.

Sarah joined up for Lap it Up because she is passionate about mental health and supporting Live4Life in rural and regional communities.

“I’m looking forward to beating my laps and fundraising efforts from last year,” she said.

People are encouraged to sign up now for the October event. To register your interest, visit: lapitup.org.au