We celebrate the remarkable success of SingelSwim Utrecht 2025, an inspiring community-driven event that raised over €67,000 for research into Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).
Organized by FSHD Stichting, the event brought together more than 360 swimmers and paddleboarders who took to the waters of Haarrijnseplas to raise awareness and funds for this rare neuromuscular disease. Despite weather-related challenges that forced a last-minute venue change, the spirit of the participants and supporters remained strong—resulting in a record-breaking fundraising total.
This achievement is especially meaningful to Project Mercury, as Kees van der Graaf, Chair of FSHD Stichting, is a long-standing collaborator and advocate within our network. His leadership continues to drive forward the mission of accelerating FSHD research and building bridges between scientific innovation and community engagement.
The funds raised will support gene therapy research led by Prof. Dr. Ir. S.M. van der Maarel at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)—a project that aligns closely with Project Mercury’s commitment to advancing transformative science and global collaboration. From individual efforts like Govert Stok, who swam nearly 8 kilometers and raised €4,000, to team initiatives such as Team Mart, which raised over €18,000—SingelSwim 2025 showcased the power of collective action in the pursuit of a cure.
We believe that events like SingelSwim are more than local fundraisers—they are catalysts for global progress. They remind us that every stroke, every donation, and every voice brings us closer to a future where FSHD is treatable, and ultimately, curable.
Congratulations to FSHD Stichting and all who made this event a success. Your impact reaches far beyond the shores of Utrecht.