UPDATE – Course change won’t stop Team Andy’s epic Telethon swim challenge!
The third annual Team Andy’s Swim for Telethon is all set to make a splash this Sunday, 19 October, as two of Australia’s most inspiring ultramarathon swimmers — Andy Donaldson and Josie Page — take on another epic endurance challenge in support of youth mental health research at the Perron Institute.
While the event will go ahead as planned, recent ocean conditions have prompted a course adjustment to ensure the safety of swimmers and support crews.
The iconic 19.7km Rottnest Island to Leighton Beach crossing (Swim 1) will now take place in a controlled environment at the MLC – Christ Church Grammar School Aquatic Precinct, where Andy and Josie will complete the same distance in the pool before continuing the remainder of the challenge as scheduled.
UPDATED EVENT SCHEDULE – Sunday, 19 October 2025
| 5:00am – 10:00 am | Swim 1 – 19.7 km pool swim at MLC/Christ Church Grammar School Aquatic Precinct. Members of the swimming community are invited to come and swim a few laps alongside our champions between 6.30am and 9:30am for a small donation* |
| 11:00am – 12:00pm | Run – Leighton Beach to Mosman Bay (joined by WA Premier the Hon Roger Cook MLA and AFL legend David Mundy) |
| 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Swim 2 – Mosman Bay to Elizabeth Quay |
Timings are approximate and subject to weather conditions.
We would like to extend our thanks to MLC / Christ Church Grammar School and Kirby Swim for their support.
Now in its third year, the event has already raised over $47,000 for Telethon and the Perron Institute, capturing hearts across WA and highlighted as one of Telethon’s Top Moments for two years running.
A Virtual Swim is running – hundreds of swimmers joining in remotely, completing either 19.7km or 33.3km distances in pools, oceans, and lakes to show their support.
WA Premier Roger Cook and AFL great David Mundy will once again lace up for the land leg of the challenge, joining the community in a show of solidarity for young Western Australians facing mental health struggles.
Andy (Andrew) Donaldson, a three-time world record-holding open water swimmer from Scotland who has just returned to Perth after breaking a record in Ibiza, said this challenge is about much more than sport.
“Youth mental health is one of the biggest challenges of our time.” Andy said.
“Swimming across from Rottnest to Perth is tough, but it’s nothing compared to what many young people go through daily. This is our way of shining a light and making a difference.”
Joining him is Perth’s own Josie Page, a Port to Pub and international champion and record holder, making her debut as the female face of the challenge.
It’s the first time a man and woman have swum from Rottnest Island to Elizabeth Quay (in the Perth CBD) which is one of the reasons why Josie wanted to get involved.
“When I swam around Manhattan Island with Andy when he broke the world record last year, we were swimming for different reasons,” Josie said.
“This year, we are swimming together for a wonderful community event, raising awareness and much needed funding for young people who are living with mental health issues.”
Funds raised will go directly towards youth mental health research at the Perron Institute, where scientists are working on new treatments for young people, including those who don’t respond to existing therapies.
For the full event details and to donate, click HERE.