Courage in the Current: Swimming for Hope, Healing & Suicide Prevention

This is not just a swim. It’s a tribute. It’s a movement.

On 30th August 2025, a team of 20 swimmers will take on a 10-kilometre sea crossing from Pulau Lang Tengah to Pulau Redang. We swim not for medals, but to honour the life and mission of our beloved friend, Jo-Ee Gwee (1986-2024), and to raise urgent awareness about suicide prevention and mental health in Malaysia.

Note: Our initial target was RM75k, which we exceeded. Thank you to all who donated. Our donation drive ends on 2nd Sept, and we hope to achieve much more by this date. Our crowdfunding efforts aim to gather as many donations as possible for Befrienders KL in support of the good work they do. Our new target is now RM100k.

Why We Swim

Jo-Ee was more than just a swimmer—she was the heart of our community. The ocean was her sanctuary, a place where she found calm, courage, and meaning. Despite her bright smile and boundless compassion, Jo-Ee struggled with severe depression and bipolar disorder, battles she spoke about bravely and openly.

After surviving her own darkest moments, including a suicide attempt, Jo-Ee chose not to hide her story. Instead, she turned her pain into purpose, championing open conversations about mental health and breaking the silence around suicide. She dreamed of a compassionate Malaysia, where no one would have to face their struggles alone, and where help and understanding would be accessible to all.

The Dream She Left Us

In 2024, Jo-Ee set herself a challenge: to swim 10km across the Terengganu sea, using every stroke to show others they are not alone. She called this journey Courage in the Current. It was meant to be more than a swim—it was to be a symbol of hope, a symbol of moving from darkness into light, and a fundraising mission for suicide prevention with Befrienders KL.

But before she could complete her swim, Jo-Ee lost her battle to suicide in November 2024. Her passing was a devastating wake-up call: sometimes, even the strongest among us can be fighting invisible battles.

Carrying Her Legacy Forward

We—her friends, family, and fellow swimmers—are now determined to finish what she started. On 30th August 2025, we will swim the route Jo-Ee dreamt of, not as a race, but as a tribute. Every stroke is for Jo-Ee, and for the thousands of Malaysians we lose to suicide every year. Every wave crossed is a message: You are not alone. It’s okay to not be okay. Help is here.

Why Your Support Matters

Malaysia is facing a mental health crisis, with over 1,000 lives lost to suicide every year. For every loss, there are countless others suffering in silence, held back by stigma and lack of support. Our swim aims to break that silence and to fund critical suicide prevention resources.

Your donation will:

• Directly fund Befrienders KL’s life-saving helpline and outreach programs.

• Amplify Jo-Ee’s story and spread hope to those who need it most.

How You Can Make a Difference

1. Donate: Your donation helps bring support closer to everyone in Malaysia.
   - Donations of RM50 or more are tax-exempt.
   - After you donate, you’ll get an email confirmation.
   - Forward that email to [email protected] with your full name and IC to receive a tax exemption receipt.
   

2. Share: Tell Jo-Ee’s story. Share this page. Let someone know it’s okay to reach out.

3. Join Us: Come cheer us on at Redang/Lang Tengah or get involved as an advocate for mental health in your community.

Together, We Can Turn Grief Into Hope

For every life lost. For every person still fighting. With your help, we can turn the tide on mental health stigma and save lives.

Join us. Donate. Share hope.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576347420937
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courage.in.the.current/
Email: [email protected]