World record holding swimmer Andrew (Andy) Donaldson attracted generous community support for his latest challenge, swimming 33km from Rottnest Island to Elizabeth Quay in Perth. His quest included a 3km run with Western Australian Premier Roger Cook.
Andy’s swim raised $14,000 for Telethon for research into youth mental health at the Perron Institute.
During Telethon weekend on Sunday 22 October, the conditions were excellent for Andy. From Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach, his support crew, which included three boats, enjoyed glassy water and the spectacle of whales breaching.
For Andy’s arrival at Leighton Beach, the Fremantle Surf Lifesaving Club, Nippers and their family and friends made a spectacular guard of honour which extended from the shore to the fence line.
At the end of the line of cheering supporters, Premier Cook and former Fremantle Dockers legend David Mundy congratulated Andy on his channel crossing and prepared for the next stage of the journey.
After a quick pit stop and refreshments, the running team, which included Andy, the Premier, David Mundy, Jason Rhine and Kirsty Bellombra embarked on their 3km run to Mosman Bay.
The team ran swiftly and was greeted by an enthusiastic round of applause on the lawn at Swan Canoe Club. After a brief changeover, the Premier and David Mundy wished Andy well for the final stage of his journey up the Swan River to Elizabeth Quay.
During his second swim, some of the support crew jumped in the water and joined him for short stints. Ahead of schedule, Andy was welcomed ashore by bagpiper Adam Britten from the WA Police Force Pipe Band and an excited crowd of friends, family and supporters.
Incredibly, Andy still had plenty of energy left in the tank and headed to the RAC Arena for the Channel 7 Telethon broadcast and further celebrations.
Into the evening, Andy enjoyed his second spot on the Telethon Community Couch, a stint in the phone room and the conga line on stage for the finale after the record-breaking announcement of $77.5 million raised.
Andy said it was a sensational opportunity to raise awareness for a cause close to his heart.
“I love helping people and it means the world to be able to do what I can to benefit children’s health in Western Australia,” Andy Donaldson said.
“There were many people involved, and I’m truly grateful for all the support I received in the water and from my incredible team and the teams at the Perron Institute and Telethon.”
Top photo caption: L-R David Mundy, Premier Cook and Andy Donaldson at Mosman Bay.