Jonny’s Big Swim 2
To donate, please click on either the Alberta or Manitoba flag which will take you to the respective Cancer Foundations for each province. You can also donate to the Health Sciences Center Foundation by clicking on their logo below. Last year, over $42,000.00 was raised between the three foundations below so let’s try to top that!
To pledge a per / km $ amount, please leave a message in the Words of Encouragement section below of how much you’d like to pledge per km and to which organization. Alternatively, you can send me an email to [email protected] and I’ll record your pledge and let you know the total KMs after the swim. The maximum number will be 26km which I will complete this time!
The Goal
To complete the goal set last year of swimming from Grand Beach to Gimli, Manitoba. The distance is about 26km and depending on conditions it might be shortened to about 22km which is the distance to Willow Point. Last August, the team (pictured below) made it about 16km until my shoulders seized up.
Lessons learned; More dry land training, increase my shoulder mobility, shorter feeding breaks and less dilly dallying along the way!
Why try again?
Last year was a great success but I feel the need to give it another shot. When researchers are working on the next breakthrough, many roadblocks pop up along the way but they continue on. I feel the same way. Just because we came up short last year doesn’t mean the towel has to be thrown in. Our team will be ready to go and the additional funds raised will hopefully make that much more of a difference in the quest for the next breakthrough.
My Inspiration
The lady pictured below is Kathie Leitch (nee McIntosh). Kathie was the first person to swim across the lake in 1955. The thing is, she didn’t make it the first time. I’m giving a whole year of training for the second attempt. Kathie on the other hand got back in the water the following weekend and made it! I was fortunate to meet Kathie last October and she inspired me to give it another go.
Above Kathie taking a break , Aug. 1955 and Kathie and I last Oct. in Victoria
I was first diagnosed with NHL in 1999 and treated with Chemotherapy in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Health Sciences Centre. Things went well and I was cancer free for 20 years and then I had a re-occurrence in 2019. On January 10th, 2020 I underwent a stem cell transplant at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, Alberta and here we are 6 years later! This is a photo of my wife Laura and I ringing the gong in the courtyard of the new Arthur E.J. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary last January celebrating the 5 year good health milestone.
Here is an article from the Winnipeg Free Press prior to last year’s attempt. Click here to read the full article.
Sprung Instant Structures Ltd. is the lead sponsor for this second attempt. I have worked at Sprung for over 20 years and they provided phenomenal support during my illness as well as huge cheerleaders for the swim. Please check out www.sprung.com
Thank you for visiting my page and your support!
Leave a word of encouragement
143 responses to “Words of Encouragement”
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Hi Jonathon, l knew you could do it. I am totally impressed. Your courage and determination paid off. You exceeded what you swam last year by kms. Next year, you will swim the whole way.
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Thanks Ross and thanks for lending me your driver tonight!
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Magnificent swim Jonathon! What great courage to challenge the huge waves and great distance. It sure helps to have such wonder in the world. Congrats to you and your splendid family and support team. As you say we have all been touched.
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Thanks for your generosity Dave. Hopefully see you in October!
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Totally impressed Jonathan! What a feat! As Your new swim friend who whimps put at the thought of open water, i can only say you have. Done yourself
Proud. Take care of those Shoulders:)-
Thanks Sharona!
I’m glad I didn’t swim the last few days and saved my strength!
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Ft Garry Fennie, you are a true inspiration. We are happy to donate.
Cole Castelane-
Cole And Carla,
I made it! Distance was 24 km so you can make your donation via my web page. Thanks for your support, Fenny
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You are a true inspiration Fenny , we are happy to donate !
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I haven’t head how it went yet!
Donated on the site . Whatever happens you’ve made a huge difference. That lake is no push over!!-
Hey Sheri,
Thanks for your donation and support.
I made it all the way!-
Whoooooooo!!
Well done!
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Go Fenny! Good luck tomorrow, hoping for big waves to carry you to the other side ❤️
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Thanks! I made it all the way!!
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A true trooper you are! You’re inspiring so many people with your Big Swim, Fenny. Put us down for $10 per kilometre.
Cole & Carla Castelane-
Thanks Cole! Appreciate your support!
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Have a great swim Jonathon! You are already a winner!
Put us down for $10/km-
Thanks kids!
Going from the Gimli side. I’m the water at 7:00am tomorrow!
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Hey!
Made it 24kms so you can go to my webpage which is http://www.jonnysbigswim.com to make your donation. Thanks for stepping up!
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Hey, you got this Buddy!! Put me down for $40/km
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Wow, thanks Stefan! That’s huge!!
Found a place on lake drive 2 blocks from harbour so all good!!
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Good Luck Jon on your big swim on Saturday! You’ve got this!
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Thanks Booie and thanks for the generous donation!
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Good on yah Fennie. Love seeing your mug spread across the media landscape. You do good by us cancer survivors pal. Put me down for $5 per km and best of luck.
Pat Colpitts
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Hey Pat,
Thanks for joint the party . Sitting at $877/ km so getting closer to the magic $1/m milestone!
Glad you’re doing well!
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Fozzy Bear,
First, I love you like a brother, and everyone who knows you could not be prouder of what you continue to do year after year. The fact that you choose to give back to the people and organizations that stood beside you during of the toughest battles imaginable says everything about your character. Not once, but twice, you faced cancer head-on with courage, determination, and faith. Now you are turning that experience into hope for others, and that is truly extraordinary.
When it came time to make my pledge, I wanted the amount to represent something meaningful and inspiring to you. Last year, you reached an incredible milestone by swimming 16 kilometers, a remarkable achievement that required strength, discipline, and perseverance. In honor of that accomplishment, it is my privilege to pledge $16.00 per kilometer this year.
Cancer has touched so many families, including my own. My brother’s journey is a reminder of how important awareness, research, and support truly are. What makes your efforts so special is that you are doing far more than raising funds—you are raising hope. Every stroke you take sends a message to someone who may be sitting in a hospital room wondering if they can keep fighting. Your story reminds them that difficult days do not last forever, that courage can overcome fear, and that there is always a reason to hold on.
Many of the people inspired by your journey will never have the chance to meet you, yet your impact on their lives will be real and lasting. Through your determination, your vulnerability, and your willingness to share your story, you are showing others what resilience looks like. You are proving that challenges do not define us—our response to them does.
The fact that you continue this mission every year speaks volumes about who you are. After everything you have endured, you still greet people with a smile, make them laugh, offer encouragement, and lift the spirits of those around you. That kind of strength cannot be measured in kilometers. It is measured in the lives you touch, the hope you create, and the example you set for others.
Jonny (Fozzy), you have a heart of gold. You are an inspiration not only to those battling illnesses, but to everyone fortunate enough to know you. Your courage, generosity, and unwavering spirit remind us all what it means to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles in front of us.
As you take on this year’s swim, remember that you are not swimming alone. If there comes a moment when the water feels heavy and your energy begins to fade, picture the thousands of friends, family members, supporters, survivors, and fighters standing (or swimming) behind you. Imagine all of us cheering you on, pushing you forward, and believing in you every step (or stroke) of the way. We will be with you in spirit from the first kilometer to the last.
Congratulations on all that you have accomplished and all the lives you continue to impact. May God bless you, keep you strong, and carry you safely to shore. We are all incredibly proud of you and grateful for the difference you are making in this world.
With love, admiration and support,
Mike Jeske-
Wow Mike, very kind words!
I really appreciate this generous donation but more importantly your support for the swim. The big C has definitely impacted you and your family and when you helped your brother that was the true spirit of giving!
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Best of luck Jonny! You’re a big inspiration.
Please put me down for $5 per KM.
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Jonny! Just around the corner for the second attempt. Sending you our love and support from Tokyo (we promise to head to the our local Jinja on the eve of your swim!)
We pledge $20 / km to Alberta Cancer Foundation. Ganbatte!
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Thank you Conan and Wakana for the nice pledge! I’m looking forward to visiting you in Fukuoka in the near future!
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Hi Jonny,
I would like to pledge $2 per km. (MB. Cancer Care)
I’ve a feeling you will do it this year!
Good Luck!!-
Thanks Janine! Very much appreciated! I will let you know the distance I make it but I feel confident for the full 26km this time!
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Hi Janine,
I made it all the way (24kms) so you can go to my web page and choose the foundation and make your donation. Thanks for your support!
Jonny
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Congrat’s Jonny! Nice radio spot on the CBC Eye Opener, this morning. Look forward to sponsoring you per km!
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Thanks Pritha!!
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Go Jonny Go!
16 km last year proved what you’re capable of, this year is about finishing it.
Go get it. I’ll be cheering you on every stroke-
Thanks Christie!!
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Can’t wait for Round 2!! Here we go!! GO get ’em Jonny! All of our love from Japan. ❤️
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Thanks Conan!
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I will be with you every stroke of the way. And iknow you will make it this year! So nice to meet you last summer and hope to see you again! Just keep your arms moving old friend! Big love
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Thanks Kathie! You are a legend and I can’t wait to call you from the beach when I finish this time!
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Way to go! Hope to see you next year! Have a great wintee!
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Thank you! Looking forward to making it all the way next summer!
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Wow, such a story. Great to hear you are doing well.
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Ho Polly and Tony,
Thanks for checking out my site. Looking forward to doing some more chill swimming in the lake next week!
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You are an inspiration!!!! And you made me laugh my head off when I saw you in Calgary about 11 years ago! Congratulations on everything! I will stay tuned!!!! Lots of Love to you and Laura!
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Great to hear from you Marianne! Made it 16km after 8.5 hours in the water but alas my shoulders gave out. Let us know ow when you are back in Cowtown.
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Way to go Fenny! You are amazing!
Cheers,
Fitty-
Thanks Fitty!
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John, haven’t seen any further press on the swim.
Nothing happened here on shore at Gimli except the large sturgeon that was caught.
How did you do and how far did you get?-
Hi
I swam 16km and was 8.5 hours in the waters but both shoulders gave out. Raised $37k so all good!
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Hello Jonny!
Congratulations! 16km is no small accomplishment! We know that lake well!
We have donated $1600, a hundred dollars for each km. Next year we will do the same!
Keep up the good work. There are a lot of people cheering you on.
Judy & Gary-
Thanks Judy and Gary!!
Wow, such a generous donation! I wish I could have made it the whole way but wasn’t meant to be. My shoulders completely gave out but I’ll be back next year to complete the task. Cheers!
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Great swim Jonny and an inspiration to so many. All the best to you and your family.
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Thanks George! Things didn’t turn out as planned but gave it my best! 16km and about 8.5 hours in the water! Both shoulders completely gave out. Hi to Michelle!
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I’m rooting for you……what a great cause!
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Thank you Margo!
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Best of luck with the swim. You came up with a wonderful idea. Surviving cancer twice is God’s gift to you. You are using it well.
I lost several good friends, one just last week, my brother (10 years ago), and my father at the age of 88, as well as nieces and nephews.
Take care and God bless you.-
Hi
Sorry to hear about your friends and family. Hopefully one day this terrible disease will be a thing of the past.
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Gods Speed Tomorrow !
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Feeling rough today!
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Hod Speed Tomorrow !
Super Proud of you !
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Thanks for your support and encouragement. I’m trying again next year now that I have learned some lessons!
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Fenny – good luck today and hope the weather cooperates and You swim like Summer Mcintosh!!
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I swam more like “Winter McFenny” oh well have it my best shot!
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You are an inspiration; the world needs more of you!
Another movie you might enjoy is Young Woman and the Sea.
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Saw that movie and loved it!
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A haiku in honour of the big swim:
Waves can’t keep you down
Even the fish call you sir
The lake knows your name-
Need another Haiku about shoulders giving out.
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Good luck, buddy! Total beast mode—couldn’t be prouder of you. Here’s to calm waters, clear skies, and the heart of a warrior. Godspeed my friend!
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The lake was a bigger beast yesterday! I’m going to try again next year.
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Look at YOU ! Brilliant!
We will be routing for you from Lake Okanagan tomorrow and if anyone is taping this incredible act of commitment to the cure for cancer it sure would be great to be dialed in!What’s that song?
Go Johnny, GO, GO, GO, GO? Johnny be good
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Thanks Kerri. The lake won yesterday but that was just the first round!
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You can do it Jonny! I was a donor 12 years ago for a brother with NHL, he is doing fabulous. Love to hear “good news” cancer stories. Donation on the way, wishing you a cool calm day for your challenge!
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Hi Catherine,
Thanks for sharing your story and great news about your bro! Thanks for your support!
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Give them hell John!
Best of luck from another survivor-
Thanks Don!
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All the best. I know exactly how disciplined you need to be for this swim. I watched my daughter swim across Lake Erie. So….I’ll be rooting for you! You’ve got this. Hope the waters are calm and no cross current. Keep your mind focused on anything. You’ve conquered huge battles. You can conquer this too.
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Thanks Tricia! Well done by your daughter!
I’m trying again next year!
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Prayers to you on achieving such a great feat. Good luck on your quest.
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Thanks Barry. Came up short so will try next year!
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I would be pleased to accompany you during your crossing. I have done so with other swimmers. The lake can be treacherous. Any assistance I can provide.
I will be more that pleased to donate to Cancer Manitoba
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How about next year Dean?
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We wish you the best! I cannot be at the neither start nor finish but will mentally swim each stroke with you. I am the youngest (15 yrs 3 months) and swam the lake in 1963.
We donate $100.00 to HSC CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION-
Thank you Audrey! Wow, huge respect for you crossing the lake! Thanks for the donation and watch for next years attempt!
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Good luck with your swim. I am five years cancer free as well.
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Way to go Maria! Thanks for your support!
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Best of luck Jonny, we will be cheering you on!
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Thanks Kerry and thanks for your donation!
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Congratulations and good luck Fenny, what an incredibly thoughtful and inspiring way to celebrate your cancer care milestones. Our family are pleased to donate $1000 to support your swim to the HSC Foundation, the fundraising arm of the HSC, our provincial hospital and lead site in Manitoba for cancer surgeries. Did you know over 9000 surgeries every year at HSC are to remove cancers? I’d encourage all other friends of Fenny to donate a gift as well to any of these worthy charities so he can hit his $75,000 fundraising goal.
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Whoa Jon & Bonnie! Thank you thank you thank you! HSC took great care of me in 1999! A great organization with great people!
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You are a true inspiration! Congrats on what I’m sure will be a successful challenge:)
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Thanks Michelle and thank you so much for your donation and support! Hi to George!
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Giddy Up Jon! What an incredible goal.
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Thanks Rick. Going to give it my best shot just like you used to do from the 3 point line!
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Go uncle Jonathon!!! Gonna crush it
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Thanks Faye! I hope the weather cooperates and wish you were in the boat to cheer me on!
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Jonathan,
This is a terrific challenge, especially wearing a bear skin suit. I’ll double my donation if you get a full body wax . # sharkskinJonny
You inspire with how you meet life’s challenges with your trademark joy de vive. You’ve got this.
Casey McCawley-
Thanks Case!
I just had an interview on CBC Winnipeg
heading out in 2 weeks for the launch!
Hope you’re enjoying your golden years!
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Just heard the very “Jonathon-esque” interview (link above). Your ever positive outlook, radiating personality and witty humor should land you a job at the CBC 🙂 The count down continues, wishing you the best from Japan!
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Thank you Conan!
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Now, now Casey… after 34 years I’m still lovin me the Magnum PI chest… he “Seleck” ed to keep his insulation… and less chaffing in the wet suit apparently….
hugs
Laura
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You got this Jonny so proud of you buddy you’re amazing and such an inspiration to live life to the fullest with a smile on your face!
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Jonathon,
Wishing you luck in your endeavour. Swimming is moving meditation.Sandie and Doug Matheson
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Thanks! Hopefully see you both on the beach next month!
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You’re a true inspiration sir!!! Incredible stuff, cant wait to hear how it goes! And remember when it gets uncomfortable, it’s only pain!!
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Thanks Harry!
You’ve shown me the way!
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Wow that’s an amazing challenge
Congrats on the five years!!! -
Hi Jonathon,
We spoke briefly at McGill’s athletic centre, and I just wanted to wish you the best of luck on your swim. If our paths cross again, I’d love to hear more about it. It was a pleasure meeting you, keep doing good in the world!
Let’s go Jets/Oilers
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Hey Joey,
Thanks for your support and good luck in New York!
Jonny
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You got this Jonny!
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I had the pleasure of fundraising with you on the Ride to Conquer Cancer for a few year, unfortunately the very real threat of me drowning makes this a no-go for me! Great Job Jon!
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Come join me Clark, the water is lovely!
Thanks for your support and Go Jets Go!
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Good luck on the swim! The fish are confused and the Crown Royal factory is preparing to welcome a hero!
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Thanks Maclean.
Eyes on the prize for a nice Crown on the beach!
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Fantastic! Best of luck!!! Reach out if you want to chat about marathon swimming. I’m happy to share my experience to help you along the way!
From Kitchissippi50
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Hi
How many km swim do you think I need under my belt in one go prior to the 26km effort?
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Jonathon,
Best of luck to you in the pursuit of your goal. You’ve got this.
Jacques from Winnipeg-
Thanks Jacques. I appreciate the support!
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Hi Jonathan,
I don’t know you but I just saw this on the Meanwhile in Gimli Facebook page, all I can say is WOW!!!
We lost our dad in 2023 from lymphoma. We have a place in Loni beach. You can bet my family and I will be there to cheer you in & I am definitely donating! Incredible!!!-
Hi Trisha,
Thank you for your kind words and sorry about your Dad. I’m swimming for lots of people and you and your family are on my list now as well. See you on the beach!
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Best of luck Jonathon!
May the lake gods be kind and calm on the day of your swim! -
Hi Jonathon!
Way to go! May the lake gods be calm on the day of your swim!
Such a great cause!
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Thanks Glenda!! Lots of laps left to get in but stroke by stroke!
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Hi Jonathon!
Way to go! You can do it!
Such a great cause!
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Thanks Karen! It’s been a long time!
Hope you are well and maybe see you at the finish!
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Hi Jonathan, sending encouragement from the hood! Amazing to hear of your story of survival and great to hear of your accomplishments. ❤️
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Good Luck Jonny.
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Good effort Jonny. Kick some ass and achieve your goal. Just Keep Livin.
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I’m very proud of you! God Bless Jonny Fenton!
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Thanks Terry!!
Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks in the sun!
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Jonny, I write to you today on behalf of your friend Bruce Bracken, and his sister Brenda Bracken-Warwick. Through the James A. and Jean Bracken Fund, held at The Winnipeg Foundation, Cancercare Manitoba will receive a donation in your honour. You are an inspiring, resilient and fun loving individual who make us proud to know you.
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Thank you Cathy! I will give a nod to James & Jean from the water this summer!
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You got this!
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Thanks Son! See you in the boat!
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You’ve been talking about this for a while… you’re some machine Funkle J !!! Best of luck
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Thanks Neph. Maybe you can meet me on the beach at the end of the swim?
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Dear Jonny,
What a fantastic journey you are on! We are convinced that you will reach “The Goal”.
We are very privileged and thankful to be able to call you a friend.Love, ❤️
Linda, Emanuela, and ThomyPS: Are you sure there was a podium?
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Thanks Thomy. You have a keen eye indeed. No podium. Yuri is a giant at 6’8″. You can use your keen pilot’s eye to figure out my height!
Thanks for the support and hi to Linda and Emanuela.
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Go, Jonny go!
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Thanks Mikale!!
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You’ve got this!
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Thanks!!
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