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Why Troy's going the distance
Dive into an inspiring story of determination, resilience, and the power of community.
Meet Troy Fidler, a former National Australian Triathlon Champion, whose passion for making a difference led him to The Pyjama Foundation in April 2022.
Introduced to the incredible work of the foundation by CEO and Founder Bronwyn Sheehan, Troy was instantly moved by their mission to support kids in care.
Fueled by his dedication, Troy rallied his extensive network of business contacts and friends to create a unique and memorable fundraiser.
In the heart of winter, starting at 12pm on a Friday, 48 brave souls took turns swimming for 30 minutes each in Troy's unheated backyard lap pool. For 24 hours, they battled the cold, raising an astonishing $55,000 through generous donations and a lot of shivering!
Swimming the English Channel
Now, Troy is ready to push the limits even further. In August 2025, he will embark on an epic solo swim across the iconic English Channel. This 12-hour challenge will see him navigate freezing 16-degree waters, starting in darkness and emerging victorious in France.
Troy has swum thousands of kilometers in his lifetime, but this journey holds a special place in his heart, driven by his commitment to The Pyjama Foundation.
Join us in supporting Troy on this extraordinary adventure.
Your donation will not only honour Troy’s incredible efforts but also make a profound impact on the lives of foster children across Australia.
Let’s come together to help Troy achieve his goal and create brighter futures for kids in care. Donate now and be part of something truly special!
Mandy Collins-Woolcock just donated $100- Helen Sugars just donated $106.12
- Stewart Kneale just donated $106.12
- Ben just donated $106.12
- Louise Bolger just donated $106.12
- Vanessa Garvie just donated $106.12
- Nick just donated $106.12
- Sue McWhinney just donated $200
- Paul Kahl just donated $64.67
- Kylie Timms just donated $100
- Jackie Jones just donated $60
- Gatehouse family just donated $106.12
- Nicholas ORourke just donated $200
- Simon Vinnicombe just donated $500
- Matt & Helen Hammond just donated $106.12
- Bowes Family just donated $500
- Brendan & Margie Wright just donated $211
- Bea Tallis just donated $158.25
- Anonymous just donated $22.58
- Ian & Fleur just donated $200
Join Troy on his journey
This is what I've been preparing my whole life for
- Troy Fidler
photo courtesy: Joep Buijs Photography
The Pyjama Foundation
Every hour, 2 children enter the foster care system in Australia.
It’s hard to imagine the trauma a child goes through when they enter the foster care system. These children, are removed from their original homes for their own health and safety.
Many have experienced trauma, neglect and instability at a young age. It impacts their confidence, their ability to trust others, and their core foundation for learning.
The Pyjama Foundation was created to provide children in care with a world full of unlimited opportunity, to create positive relationships, and instil a love of learning.
Volunteer 'Pyjama Angel' mentors provide one-on-one support to children in care by visiting them once a week to empower them with learning, life skills and confidence to reach their full potential.
Without early intervention and support, statistics show us that young people who exit the care system experience significant social and economic marginalisation including a range of poor educational and health outcomes.
- They are more likely to experience homelessness and/or housing instability
- They experience significantly higher rates of mental illness compared to the general population (evidence suggests children and young people in out-of-home care (OOHC) are almost five times more likely to display suicidal behaviour than peers with no OOHC involvement)
- They are more likely to experience unemployment/underemployment
- They are more likely to have substance abuse issues
- They are more likely to become involved in the he youth criminal justice system, and experience early parenthood,
- And often have lower educational attainment
- Mandy Collins-Woolcock just donated $100
- Helen Sugars just donated $106.12
- Stewart Kneale just donated $106.12
- Ben just donated $106.12
- Louise Bolger just donated $106.12
- Vanessa Garvie just donated $106.12
- Nick just donated $106.12
- Sue McWhinney just donated $200
- Paul Kahl just donated $64.67
- Kylie Timms just donated $100
- Jackie Jones just donated $60
- Gatehouse family just donated $106.12
- Nicholas ORourke just donated $200
- Simon Vinnicombe just donated $500
- Matt & Helen Hammond just donated $106.12
- Bowes Family just donated $500
- Brendan & Margie Wright just donated $211
- Bea Tallis just donated $158.25
- Anonymous just donated $22.58
- Ian & Fleur just donated $200
Thank you to these generous donors
Mandy Collins-Woolcock
Helen Sugars
Legend - so great to see you 🙌🏼
Stewart Kneale
Congrats ! Inspiring effort love your mindset mate, see you Saturday
Ben
Bless all those who help the children in our communities. Congratulations Troy!
Louise Bolger
Congratulations Troy on such an outstanding effort for a worthy cause.
Vanessa Garvie
Congratulations Troy, an amazing achievement!
Nick
Congratulations Fid!
Sue McWhinney
Congratulations Tory...strong swim for an wonderful charity. Well done.
Paul Kahl
Well done Fid. Great cause. Inspirational. Legend.
Kylie Timms
Congratulations Troy! Such an amazing achievement, all for a wonderful cause! Well sung
Jackie Jones
Congrats on an incredible achievement Troy! Well done on making a difference in the world 👏👏👏
Gatehouse family
Well done Fids!!
Nicholas ORourke
Legend! Well done mate
Simon Vinnicombe
Go Fids!
Matt & Helen Hammond
Cheering you on from Stevenson Street. Go on you good thing!
What an epic effort Troy. Such a personal, practical way to raise funds and awareness for foster kids. Full respect!