2026 Fitzroy Mega Swim: Every lap for our clients

Together, our community has raised $156,331 (and counting!) to support people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Every lap swum, every team formed and every dollar donated helps deliver practical, meaningful support for our clients across Australia.

And at the centre of it all? The people living with MS whose lives are directly impacted by this event.

Sally from St Vincent's Saints and Swimmers

For many swimmers, the Fitzroy Mega Swimopens in new tab is a tradition that brings teams together year after year.

Sally, a team member of St Vincent’s Saints and Swimmers, is taking part in her 11th Fitzroy MS Mega Swim this year. Alongside her colleagues, she dives in to show their department’s support for the MS community.

For Sally, the event is about more than just clocking laps.

Swimming for real impact

Held over 24 hours at Fitzroy Swimming Pool on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 February 2026, the Fitzroy Mega Swim continues to be the event that started it all – a powerful demonstration of what happens when a community comes together for a cause.

There are more than 37,756 people living with MS in Australia, and everyone’s experience is unique. MS can be complex and unpredictable. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, may flare occasionally or persist for long periods of time. For our clients, that uncertainty is part of everyday life.

Events like the MS Mega Swim exist to ensure they don’t navigate that journey alone.

Funds raised contribute to:

• MS Go for Gold Scholarships
• Wellbeing services, including nursing
• Support with navigating MS, including 1-1 peer support

For many of our clients, that support can be life changing.

Ammy from Yarra Roughies

For many swimmers, the Fitzroy Mega Swim is deeply personal.

Ammy Becket, captain of the Yarra Roughies, leads a 21-person squad who train at Fitzroy Pool each week. By Saturday morning of this year’s event, they had already raised almost $10,000 – with their sights set on $15,000.

But for Ammy, it’s about much more than a fundraising target.

Celebrating the 2026 Award Winners

The energy at this year’s event was extraordinary. Swimmers showed determination, creativity and remarkable team spirit in pursuit of a shared goal: supporting people living with MS.

Congratulations to our 2026 award recipients:

• Furthest Distance Award: Yarra Roughies
• Youth Award: Samuel Francis
• Best Dressed Award: Sea Snails
• Bruce McCulloch Memorial Award (Enthusiasm, Courage & Spirit): Cynthia Liew, Volunteer Team Leader
• Highest Individual Fundraiser: Reed Flemming
  • 1st Runner Up: Christina Kiraly
  • 2nd Runner Up: Heather Miers
• Highest Fundraising Team: Labor in Lanes
  • 1st Runner Up: Hammerheads
  • 2nd Runner Up: Malvern Marlins
• Overall Winning Team: Labor in Lanes

Every award reflects hours of commitment in the pool and weeks – sometimes months – of fundraising effort. Most importantly, it reflects belief in our clients and their futures.

Heather from Hammerheads

For some swimmers, the Mega Swim isn’t just about fundraising - it’s about reclaiming something deeply personal.

Heather from the Hammerheads team lives with MS. Diagnosed at 33 and now 60, she’s spent much of her adult life navigating its unpredictability. Each year, she rallies her friends to get involved – whether that’s swimming or donating.

Beyond the pool

The Fitzroy Mega Swim is more than a one-day event. It’s a visible reminder that our clients are supported by a strong, compassionate community.

The money raised so far will continue to ripple outward – funding services and support, and empowering people living with MS to pursue their goals with confidence.

To every swimmer, team, volunteer, fundraiser and donor: thank you.

We look forward to seeing you poolside again in 2027 – ready to make an even bigger splash.