The McCarthy trio are taking part in this year's Laps for Life swim challenge to raise funds and awareness for mental health for a second year in a row.
In 2019, much loved family friend 35-year-old Arron Anderson took his own life.
Since, the three young siblings have witnessed and felt the harmful repercussions that mental health can have on loved ones.
"I am really proud of the three kids for doing this for my Arron," said Arron's mother Cheryl.
"He would be so proud and would want to jump in the pool with the three of them and swim it alongside them," she added.
Arron was described as a larrikin and a joker by his mother.
"I heard Arron was one of the nicest people alive," said the eldest swimmer Charlie McCarthy.
"I like how the challenge shows our support for Cheryl and Arron and how we can support the Reach Out Foundation by receiving the money and putting it towards helping other people struggling who need help."
"We are just really proud to be doing it for him." said Charlie.
Cheryl was described as a second mother to the three children as she worked alongside Jodie McCarthy (mother) nearly two decades ago in Muswellbrook.
The Laps for Life Challenge, sponsored by Zoggs, is set to start on March 1 and run for the entire month.
Eight-year-old Lillie last year swam 10 kilometres within in a week and this year is aiming for double that by completing 20 kilometres.
Twelve-year-old Harrison has set himself the challenge to complete 40 kilometres after smashing his goal of 25 kilometres last time round.
And 14-year-old Charlie has challenged himself a whopping 45 kilometres after completing 30 kilometres last year.
The trio would like to raise $500 each, totalling $1500 up to go towards the Reach Out Foundation.
One in four young people in Australia is currently experiencing a mental health difficulty. But there's an even bigger problem: 70 per cent of those who need help don't get it. And, suicide remains the leading cause of death of young people in Australia.
"Every bit helps," Cheryl continued. "The more people that are aware of the importance of mental health the more it helps. There is not enough help for mental health, especially for adult mental health."
On top of participating for a second year in a row in the initiative, Harrison received high placings in the recent zone swimming carnival and are set to compete at regionals very soon.
To donate to Charlie click here.
To donate to Harrison click here.
To donate to Lillie click here.
Visit au.reachout.com Lifeline: 131114
"
