Port to Pub swimmers make waves for PCHF.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Port to Pub swimmers make waves for PCHF.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Meet some of the incredible open water swimmers challenging themselves to support WA’s sick kids.
We’re thrilled to again be the official charity partner of the Euroz Hartleys Port to Pub swim.
Since 2022, Port to Pub has successfully raised over $104,000 for PCHF – with funds going to Move to Improve, a groundbreaking research initiative reconnecting kids with long-term health conditions including Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), cancer, post-burn injuries, and cerebral palsy to physical activity.
Meet four of the amazing Port to Pub swim teams and solo swimmers raising funds for PCHF this year:
Jolyn & Col: Swimming for Type 1 Diabetes.
Mum-of-three, Jolyn, is gearing up for her third Euroz Hartleys Port to Pub swim.
She originally set her sights on finishing this year’s 19.7km Fremantle to Rottnest event as her very first solo crossing. However, her priorities shifted last August when her son, Kobe (9), was diagnosed with T1D after months of unexplained symptoms.
“We knew something was wrong,” Jolyn said. “Kobe lost weight, was shaky, had dark circles under his eyes and was constantly exhausted. His immune system was down, and he’d lost his spark. His breath also had a distinct fruity smell – something I remembered from a nursing lecture years ago. That’s when I knew we had to take him to Emergency.”
Kobe was admitted to PCH, where he spent a week in care, narrowly avoiding an ICU admission. He was fitted with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and later an insulin pump, transforming the way his diabetes was managed.
While this new medical equipment was game-changing for Kobe, Jolyn quickly became aware of the significant financial toll diabetes can place on families.
“Insulin pumps are incredible, but they can also be very expensive. We were fortunate enough to afford it, but many families aren’t in the same position. Managing diabetes 24/7 without this technology would be really challenging.”
As Kobe adjusts to life with T1D, he’s even developed an interest in becoming an endocrinologist after meeting several healthcare workers at PCH who, like him, also live with T1D, and has recently begun surfing sessions through Move to Improve.
Now, Jolyn is aiming to raise $5,000 to support PCHF, as part of a duo with her good friend Colin Curry King.
“As well as funding programs like Move to Improve, PCHF also plays such a vital role in supporting families who need financial assistance for essential equipment like diabetes pumps. Please donate – every dollar makes a difference and helps WA kids, and their families navigate life with T1D,” Jolyn said.
Perth teens dive into action.
Six inspiring Year 10 students from across Perth are set to make a splash in the upcoming Euroz Hartley’s Port to Pub swim, while also raising funds for WA’s sick kids.
The PCHF Kids Swim Team, made up of teens from St Hilda’s, Iona, and Methodist Ladies College, is diving headfirst into the upcoming Rottnest Channel crossing swim, and have raised a remarkable $6,000 for PCHF to date.
The talented group of young swimmers have already accomplished so much in the water. While Eloise, Tallis, and Jemima won the Schools Open Water Swim in 2024, Izzy and Liv were part of a mixed youth team in last year’s Port to Pub, Rachel was part of the fastest female team in the recent Rottnest Channel Swim, and Tallis regularly competes in Surf Club ocean events including swim, board and Ironwoman disciplines.
Janelle: First-time Solo Swimmer.
Janelle is ready to take on a remarkable challenge next month as she attempts her first 19.7km solo crossing.
Relatively new to competitive swimming, Janelle’s journey started just two years ago, and she’s now a regular with the Positive Swim Squad, led by Port to Pub founder, Ceinwen Roberts.
2025 marks Janelle’s second year participating in Port to Pub. To prepare, she’s combining swimming with a mix of weights, gym sessions, physiotherapy, circuit training and interval training.
Though the longest swim Janelle has completed so far is 12km, she’s confident her training and the adrenaline of race day will push her through the final 8km. In addition to her physical preparations, Janelle is determined to raise $5,000 for PCHF.
“I’ve worked with many families facing difficult situations, from cancer treatment to disabilities and diabetes,” she said. “Knowing I can help those who really need will keep me going on the day when things get tough.”
“I’m surrounded by so much love and support from my family, friends, colleagues at Treeby Primary School, and the superhumans at Positive Swim Squad. I want to show our kids the importance of perseverance and determination when it comes to working towards a goal.
“I’m just an everyday person, who’s never done anything like this before, so I’d love to inspire others to just go for it. If I can do it, anyone can.”
Meet Team PCHF.
Team PCHF – Suzette Pritchard, Alyssa Garrick, Anna Bonadeo and Tiffany Bradshaw – are once again preparing for the epic open water challenge of the Euroz Hartleys Port to Pub swim.
In 2025, the team are looking to build on the momentum of last year’s 6-hour 30-minute swim, and their incredible $16,000 fundraising effort.
“We absolutely loved Port to Pub last year. It’s such a fantastic family event, and we had an incredible time with our team. We’re looking forward to doing it all over again, hopefully raising even more money and maybe even shave some time off our swim,” said Suze.
The team’s dedication to the cause runs deep. Anna is a nurse at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Tiffany is a PhD student at The Kids Research Institute Australia, and Suze is part of the team at PCHF. Alyssa is a seasoned Port to Pub swimmer, with four solo efforts under her belt, including the 25km ultramarathon.
Reflecting on last years’ experience, Suze offered some valuable advice for first-time participants. “You never know what conditions you’re going to get on the day, so the most important thing is to have fun with your friends and make the most of the experience,” she said.
Move to Improve is funded by PCHF and The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, with support from Principal Partner Mineral Resources.
