Danielle Falconer’s 40km swim for dementia: why every stroke matters

Update: SHE DID IT!!! On March 21 2026, Danielle swam across Lake Taupō (40.7km in 16h27m). Well done, Danielle! Also, her fundraising for Dementia NZ has raised over $15,000. Thanks to everyone who has donated.

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At the time of recording this podcast (Feb 9, 2026), Danielle Falconer was preparing to swim the length of Lake Taupō (40.2km) in late February to raise awareness and support for those affected by dementia. Through her swim she is fundraising for Dementia NZ – visit her Givealittle page for more details.

In this episode we talk about:

• Danielle’s personal reasons for wanting to grow awareness and support around dementia and fundraise for Dementia NZ. We talk about the impact of dementia on the tens of thousands of Kiwis affected by it, as well as on their families, caregivers, and community.

• The nuts and bolts of planning and training for an ultramarathon swim: having a swim programme, nutrition, support crew, and a feeding plan.

• The need for flexibility and adaptability in the lead-up to a big swim: once the training is done, having to accept things (like weather!) that are out of our control.

• Working with ultramarathon swim coach and world record holder Phil Rush (who has his own episode of Swim Chats).

• The crucial support and encouragement of family and friends, and training around other life commitments (work, kids, life admin … ).

• Swimming in Wellington: the community, the locations, the pool squads, and the fresh and choppy open water.

• Follow Danielle on Instagram (@swim_taupo) or via her Swim Taupō website for updates on her swim

• Visit Danielle's Givealittle page to donate to Dementia NZ (make a one-off donation, pledge an amount per hour or km of Danielle's swim, or complete a free ‘brain booster' activity)

• Visit the Dementia NZ website to learn more about dementia and find support

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Jono Ridler is currently swimming down the east coast of NZ's North Island (1,600km over 90 days) to raise awareness of destructive bottom trawling in the ocean. Find out more at ⁠⁠swim4theocean.com⁠⁠ and sign the petition!

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Thanks for listening! :-)