Swim 5,000 Strokes this November for Stroke Survivors

This November, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland invites swimmers across the country to take on a meaningful challenge in support of stroke survivors.

Stroke for Stroke is a nationwide fundraising event where participants swim 5,000 strokes throughout the month of November to raise vital funds and awareness for people living with life-altering brain injuries following a stroke. Stay safe and visible in the water with your free swimming cap.

Whether you’re swimming solo, forming a team with friends or colleagues, or taking part through a club or leisure facility, everyone is welcome to join.

Who Can Take Part?

This challenge is open to:

• Individuals of all ages and abilities
• Teams of friends, families, colleagues, or club members
• Swim clubs, hotels and leisure centres with swimming pools who want to support a great cause

If you swim, you can help – it is that simple.

The Challenge: How It Works

• What: Swim 5,000 strokes across the month of November
• When: 1 to 30 November 2025
• Where: Any swimming pool or open water
• How: Any stroke counts – front crawl, breaststroke, backstroke or butterfly

You can swim at your own pace and in your own time.

What Does 5,000 Strokes Look Like?

Just 160 strokes a day – about 10 lengths of a 25-metre pool – adds up to the goal. It takes only a few minutes each day but makes a big difference.

• Total distance: Approximately 7.5 to 9 kilometres
• Time commitment: Around 4 to 6 minutes per day for the average swimmer

Get Your Swim Club or Facility Involved

We are encouraging swim clubs, hotels and leisure centres to join us in supporting stroke survivors. Here’s how your organisation can get involved:

• Promote the challenge to members and guests via email, noticeboards and social media
• Form a club or team to take on the challenge together
• Host a special swim session or Swimathon Relay Day to hit 5,000 strokes (about 3,100 pool lengths)
• Organise friendly relay competitions or group swims
• Offer a dedicated lane or time slot for participants throughout November
• Display our awareness posters around your facility

We will supply a free downloadable promo toolkit to make it easy, including:

• Posters and swim tracker templates
• Stroke facts and awareness materials
• Social media graphics

      Download your supplies below:

• • Tracker
  • Poster
  • Bubble Poster
  • Social Media Post

Participant Benefits

• Free to enter
• Free orange branded swimming cap – to keep you more visible when swimming in a pool or the sea
• Raise €250 or more to receive a commemorative medal
• Register as an individual or as part of a team

Why It Matters

Every year in Ireland, more than 7,500 people survive a stroke. Around 5,000 of these individuals are left with acquired brain injuries that change their lives forever. By taking part in this challenge, you are not only supporting stroke survivors on their journey to recovery, but also investing in your own brain health and overall wellbeing. Swimming is proven to benefit mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote lifelong brain function – making this a challenge that truly supports body and mind.

All funds raised go directly towards essential rehabilitation, housing and community services provided by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland all around Ireland.