A record-breaking tribute of love, loss and community

May 15, 2025

What began as one mother’s personal act of remembrance has turned into a national triumph.

Laps for Jo sh, the heartfelt initiative created by Belgravia Leisure team member Karen “Kaz” in honour of her late son, has secured first place in Australia for kilometres swum in the 2025 Laps for Life campaign.

Kaz and her team collectively swam 1,002.5 kms, whilst also raising $11,651 for the campaign by ReachOut Australia, which supports youth mental health and suicide prevention. The team almost tripled their $4,000 goal, placing them an incredible 15th nationally for funds raised.

However, for Kaz, this journey is about more than numbers. It’s about keeping her son’s memory alive while shining a light on the silent struggles many young Australians face.

In 2018, Kaz lost her son Josh to suicide, leaving behind a loving family and a shocked community. Since then, Kaz has channeled her grief into action, swimming each March for Laps for Life.

“I finished my laps and couldn’t believe we ranked first in Australia for kilometers swam” Kaz shared. “And we raised over $11,000 which is worth more than my car,” she added with a laugh, giving us a glimpse into her humour and the resilience that’s carried her through.

The most meaningful moments are often the smallest. “A young man joined my team when I was working at the front counter and when I asked his name, it was Josh. It felt like a sign and made me very teary.”

Even through pain, both emotional and physical, Kaz has kept going. “I wasn’t off to a great start,” she said, after re-injuring two toes originally broken in December. “But I kept swimming, our team has been amazing and gotten me through”.

“Kaz is a ray of sunshine around the venue and her dedication to ‘Laps for Josh’ has inspired everyone at BRALC. Her strength and humour have created a ripple effect, bringing people together for something bigger than themselves. Watching her lead the top team for kilometres in the country is nothing short of incredible,” said Tanya Fletcher, Venue Manager at BRALC.

Laps for Josh team members have been recognised with participation awards and extreme gratitude from Kaz. From her first strokes in the pool years ago to leading the top-ranking distance team in the 2025 Laps for Life campaign, Kaz’s mission has only grown stronger.

Laps for Josh has become a reminder that through kindness, connection and shared purpose, we can turn heartbreak into healing.

When life doesn’t go as planned, visit ReachOut Australia, a safe place to chat anonymously, get support and feel better. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out:

For support in Australia: