Fundraiser Profile | Chloe Sells
This November, a heartfelt 100km swimming challenge honours a much-loved dad lost to a brain aneurysm, raising awareness and vital funds for neurosurgical research through NRF.
This November, Chloe is taking on a 100km swimming challenge in memory of their beautiful dad, who unexpectedly passed away from a brain aneurysm in September 2026.
Driven by a love for their dad and a desire to make a difference, this challenge aims to raise awareness of brain aneurysms and funds for vital neurosurgical research through NRF. Every kilometre swum is a tribute to a much-loved father and an opportunity to help create a brighter future for others affected by brain conditions.
We spoke with our fundraiser about their dad, the inspiration behind the challenge and the message they hope to share through every kilometre.
You can support this challenge by making a donation to their fundraising page.
Every contribution helps support NRF's work funding neurosurgical research and improving outcomes for people affected by brain conditions.
Could you tell us a little about your dad?
This November, I’ll be swimming 100km in memory of my beautiful dad, who unexpectedly lost his life to a brain aneurysm in September 2026. My dad was one of the kindest, most loving men you could meet. He was the type of person who would do absolutely anything for his family, always putting the people he loved first. He meant the world to us, and losing him so suddenly has left a huge hole in our lives.
Would you like to share any details of his diagnosis or what your family experienced?
Like many people, Dad was stubborn when it came to going to the doctor and would often put off getting checked. It’s heartbreaking to think that seeking medical attention sooner may have made a difference, although we will never know for certain. His aneurysm happened so unexpectedly. One minute he was here, and the next, our world had completely changed. It has been incredibly difficult for our family to process losing someone we love so much with so little warning.
What inspired you to take on a 100km swimming challenge in his memory? Is swimming something you’ve always enjoyed?
My mum was a swimming teacher when I was a young child, so naturally, I grew up learning to swim and developed a love for it. Taking on this challenge felt like a meaningful way to honour Dad and turn something I love into something positive. I want to raise awareness about brain aneurysms and support greater funding for research. If sharing Dad’s story encourages even one person to get checked or seek medical advice when something doesn’t feel right, then this challenge will be worth it.
How are you planning to tackle the 100km throughout November?
My family and friends are my biggest support system, and I know I’ll lean on them, especially when things get tough. Swimming 100km throughout the month will be both a physical and emotional challenge, but having a purpose behind every kilometre will help keep me going. I’ll remind myself why I started and carry Dad’s memory with me whenever I need that extra push.
Are there any specific messages of awareness you hope people take away from your challenge?
I want people to understand the importance of taking their brain health seriously, recognising potential warning signs and seeking medical advice rather than putting it off. Brain aneurysms can have devastating consequences, and greater awareness, research and funding are so important. During Dad’s final days, he made the selfless decision to donate his organs, ultimately helping four people who now have the opportunity to continue living their lives. Even in the most heartbreaking circumstances, Dad gave others the gift of a future. I hope this challenge can carry that same spirit forward by helping raise awareness and potentially saving lives. I’ll be swimming every kilometre with Dad in my heart, turning the pain of losing him into something meaningful and keeping his memory alive.
Support the 100km swimming challenge
Help turn this family's loss into something meaningful by supporting the challenge with a donation.
Every donation helps NRF continue funding vital neurosurgical research and supporting better outcomes for people affected by brain conditions.
