Lilli and Georgie make waves for PD research: taking on the Roughwater challenge

Saturday, 26th July 2025

---

When lifelong friends Lilli Borozan and Georgie Walker decided to tackle the South Head Roughwater Swim — a gruelling 10km ocean swim from Bondi Beach to Watsons Bay — they weren’t just in it for the challenge. They were diving in for a cause that hits close to home: raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research through Shake It Up Australia.

Their incredible efforts raised a remarkable $7,785, with every cent going directly to cutting-edge Australian research thanks to Shake It Up’s 100% donation model.

A Personal Motivation

For Georgie, the decision to support Parkinson’s research was deeply personal.

“My dad was diagnosed ~15yrs ago with early onset Parkinsons (when he was in his 40’s), so it’s a cause that’s pretty close to my heart,” Georgie shared via email.

She’s seen firsthand the impact that medical advancements can have.

“Over the years I’ve seen him decline, but there have also been moments when his condition has improved when a new medication was approved or a different treatment/therapy was incorporated into his routine. He also recently had deep brain stimulation about a month ago which has been an absolute game changer.”

This lived experience inspired the pair to fundraise for a charity that supports the kind of research that changes lives.

“I wanted to choose a charity which focused on research into better treatments and/or a cure for Parkinsons as I’ve seen first hand the impact developments have had on improving my dad’s quality of life” Georgie said.

Braving the Ocean for a Cure

The pair’s challenge wasn’t without its hurdles. Originally scheduled for 18 May, the swim was postponed due to dangerous conditions. When the new date — 1 June — rolled around, they were ready, despite being met with a new set of wild challenges.

“The swim went really well, although we were met with some very challenging conditions on the day. Large swells and a strong current against us for about 80% of the course made it a tough but incredibly rewarding experience,” Lilli wrote.

But the universe had a moment of magic in store for them, too:

“We kicked off the day by heading out from Vaucluse to the start line just off Bondi Beach. On the way, we were lucky enough to spot a few whales, which was a magical start to the morning. From there, we swam the full 10km stretch to Watsons Bay, pushing through the conditions with plenty of determination and Gatorade breaks.”

Community Spirit and Impact

The response from friends and family was overwhelming — and humbling. In addition to raising critical funds, Lilli and Georgie raised visibility for young-onset Parkinson’s, and helped remind others of the power of personal action.

“It was a challenging but unforgettable experience, and we’re proud to have been part of something that supports such a meaningful cause,” they reflected.

Shake It Up Australia’s Fundraising Manager Isobel Moore celebrated their effort:

“Thank you so much for everything you’re doing to raise the profile of Parkinson’s in your community, and critical funds for research to better understand and treat Parkinson’s. 100% of the funds you’ve raised will go directly to researchers who are working so hard to test and develop better treatments for Parkinson’s.”

Be the Next Hero

Inspired by Lilli and Georgie’s story?

Whether you’re a swimmer, baker, cyclist, or creative thinker, your fundraiser can help accelerate the search for better treatments — and a cure.

Start your own community fundraiser today.

Together, we can make waves — and one day, find a cure.