Making every lap count: Grant’s story
Taking his efforts to an extraordinary level, Grant is preparing to swim the English Channel — one of the toughest open-water swims in the world — in support of his wife, who has Huntington’s disease.
Grant’s motivation for the swim is deeply personal. More than 20 years ago, his wife learned that she carried the Huntington’s disease gene after her aunt was diagnosed. Since then, their family has lived with the uncertainty that comes with the condition. Despite this, they focus on enjoying life, together with their son, Kai.
“Over the last couple of years, my wife’s symptoms have become more noticeable. It’s been difficult at times, especially when people don’t understand what Huntington’s is. Simple things like slurred speech or balance issues can be mistaken for something else. That’s why awareness is so important,” Grant shares.
Reflecting on Grant’s decision to swim the English Channel, his wife, Annette, shared:
“He’s such a good man, an incredible athlete, but more importantly, he’s my best friend. I’m so proud of him for doing this — not just for me, but for the whole Huntington’s community.”
Turning passion into purpose
An experienced swimmer and fundraiser, Grant has previously raised over $25,000 for cancer research. Now, he’s channelling that same energy into raising awareness and funds for Huntington’s Australia.
“This isn’t just about the money. It’s about making people aware of Huntington’s disease — because a lot of people have never even heard of it,” Grant adds.
Grant and his swim buddy also designed custom swimsuits featuring the Huntington’s Australia puzzle logo, using their sport to start conversations and spread awareness. You can purchase from the collection here until October 20.
In addition to his training, Grant is also organising a comedy night in Sydney on 15 October, featuring three professional comedians and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting people impacted by Huntington’s disease. You can purchase tickets to see the show here.
The challenge ahead
In 2019, Grant swam the English Channel as part of a relay team, where each swimmer rotated in shifts. After completing that challenge, his teammates told him they believed he had what it took to do it solo — and now, he’s ready to take that on.
“The Channel is often called the ‘Everest of swimming.’ It’s 35 kilometres in a straight line, but with tides and currents. Conditions change all the time — the cold, the waves, the jellyfish — and you might even have to start at midnight and swim through the dark,” Grant explains.
The preparation is intense: four pool sessions a week, long weekend swims that can last up to eight hours, and strength training at the gym. But for Grant, the biggest challenge isn’t physical — it’s mental.
“You have to have a strong mind to get through something like this. I just keep thinking about my wife and what she faces every day. That’s my motivation,” he shares.
Raising awareness through action
Grant’s English Channel swim is planned for September 2026, and he’s already deep into training and fundraising. While his wife won’t be able to accompany him on the support boat, she’ll be cheering him on from shore.
“When I finish, I just hope she’s proud.She’s always been supportive of what I do,” Grant says.
For Annette, she hopes that sharing their story will help others understand Huntington’s disease:
“I want people to know that everything with Huntington’s is hard. But don’t be afraid to reach out, to ask questions, to offer support. Even the smallest understanding can make a difference.”
