Swimming for Rita: Madoc’s mission to fight MND 

For Madoc Lanfear-Appleby, swimming is more than a sport. In 2025, it became a way for him to honour his family, raise awareness and help fund important research into motor neurone disease (MND). 

The challenge Madoc set himself was no small feat. “I have always wanted to raise funds for MND and I thought attempting to complete two solo Rottnest Channel swims in a month would be a good challenge,” he explained. A demanding physical challenge. But one driven by deep personal connection.  

The fight against MND sits close to Madoc’s heart. In June 2015, his Nanna, Rita, was diagnosed with progressive bulbar palsy. An aggressive form of MND, it primarily affects speech and swallowing. It has a life expectancy of just six months to three years. Rita passed away on 22 December 2016, just 18 months after her diagnosis.  

Madoc remembers Rita as a passionate swimmer, an active and social person who loved being out in the world with others. Losing her independence was one of the hardest parts of the disease. “The hardest thing for Rita was losing the ability to talk, walk, and swallow,” he said. 

Being confined to a wheelchair and relying on others was mentally tough for someone so independent. Yet even as MND took so much from her, Rita refused to let it take everything. 

“When Rita lost her speech, she started communicating through handwritten notes. She was so determined that she mastered the art of using an iPad and started using social media to communicate and connect with people.” 

It was Rita’s unwavering determination that Madoc held onto. The fuel that kept him training hard for the challenge ahead. 

A challenge years in the making 

Reflecting on his goal, it’s clear Madoc wanted a challenge worthy of the determination Rita showed every day. “Swimming to Rottnest seemed like the right one,” he explains.  

The journey hasn’t been simple. His plan for two solo swims in a month back in 2024 was interrupted when severe weather forced the Rottnest Channel Swim to be cancelled mid-race. Stepping back from competitive swimming afterward, Madoc shifted his focus from racing to resilience. “I’ve been able to complete three solo swims to Rottnest Island since and this year, my goal is simply to make it to the island,” he says. 

With years of experience including team crossings, solo attempts, a cancellation, and time spent paddling for others, Madoc knows exactly what the channel demands. “Everything I’ve learned shapes how I train and how I’ll tackle the day,” he explains. 

Training now is about balance: managing fatigue, protecting his body, and fitting preparation around everyday life. “The most important thing is learning how to manage my body. The fatigue, the sleep,” he says. 

Behind him stands a tight-knit crew of friends and family; paddlers, boat support and beach crew, who power his confidence as much as his strokes. “These people mean so much to me,” Madoc reflects. “They give so much of their time to help me chase my dreams.” 

Why it matters 

For Madoc, swimming to Rottnest is only part of the journey. What truly drives him is the hope of creating change for people living with MND.  

“I hope my efforts will assist in raising awareness for this cruel disease. And the funds raised will help assist in research and help with supporting families impacted MND with medical treatment and equipment to help them get through really tough times and make the smallest thing such as communicating slightly easier.” 

The impact of MND is devastating. Every single day in Australia, two people are diagnosed with the disease and two people lose their lives to it. Right now, more than 2,700 Australians are living with MND, and that number is expected to rise to around 4,300 by 2050.  

“It’s obvious that this disease can affect anyone, whether that be yourself or someone you may even know.” 

Taking the leap for FightMND 

For anyone considering a challenge to support FightMND, Madoc’s advice is simple. “Do it!” he exclaims. “As my parents say, ‘You only regret what you don’t do. Not what you do,’”.  

Madoc is someone who hasn’t found fundraising a natural thing to do. “I’ve always been too shy to ask people to donate their own money. I don’t like putting any pressure on people,” explains. But, reframing his purpose changed his view. “I’m not fundraising for myself,” Madoc explains. “You’re doing this for everyone affected by this horrible disease.” 

Representing FightMND and swimming in honour of his Nana and every one affected by the Beast is something Madoc carries with deep respect.  

“Being able to represent this amazing charity and the people suffering from MND makes me feel honoured and privileged to be in the position to swim these swims for them.” 

How you can get involved 

Madoc’s journey is a reminder that the fight against the Beast takes people. Whether it’s swimming, walking, cycling, hosting an event, or taking on a personal challenge, there are many ways to fundraise for FightMND. 

You don’t need to swim the Rottnest Channel to help change lives. You just need a goal and a reason. Together, through challenges big and small, we can raise awareness, fund research, and support families affected by MND. 

If you’ve been thinking about doing something meaningful, this is your sign. Learn more about how you can fundraise for FightMND on our Ways to support page.