Some of us pull all-nighters at parties or when we binge-watch our favourite television shows, but one woman from regional NSW did it to swim and raise awareness of mental health.
Long-distance swimmer Brenda Norman from the Riverina swam almost a whopping 20 hours straight along the Derwent River in Tasmania, from the Tasman Bridge to New Norfolk Bridge and back again last weekend.
"I started at 5:30am on Saturday and swam into the night," Ms Norman said.
"So that's a 68-kilometre swim.
"[Swimming the Derwent twice] has actually never been attempted before."
She said it was the hardest but most rewarding journey, especially after coming up short during the first attempt a few weeks ago.
Ms Norman was guided by Sea Rescue Tasmania and supported by her friends, family and trainers.
"I actually haven't swum beyond 12 hours before … so 13 hours and beyond in unknown territory for me swimming, physically it got really tough and psychologically it got really tough.
"I had my great friends on my boat so they were fantastic in helping me overcome those challenges.
"Richard, who is my training partner actually jumped into the water at different times to swim with me for psychological support.
"I have a lot of support in Deniliquin in the community and all around."
Her mum and dad followed her progress from their farm.
"They almost pulled an all-nighter as well tracking my swim and following the dot and watching the Facebook live," she said.
"Hopefully they'll be able to come to my next swim when things aren't as busy on the farm for them."
Ms Norman, who established the Channel 4 Change charity to help fundraise for youth mental health services, hoped the swim would raise awareness.
For now, the long-distance swimmer will be resting up, and certainly won't be pulling more all-nighters anytime soon.
