The real reason why I’m skipping for Jeans For Genes
This August, I’ve signed up to do 100 skips every day to raise money for the Children’s Medical Research Institute through Jeans for Genes.
I’m someone who believes that if I have the ability to help someone, even in a small way, then I should. I do one fundraiser each year, and this year I chose Jeans for Genes because the work they support is something that feels particularly close to my heart.
I’m doing this challenge in loving memory of my cousin Matthew, who lost his life due to complications from Cystic Fibrosis.
Losing Matthew has always stayed with me, and this challenge is not only in his memory, but also for the families who are living through what his family experienced — and for all the children who are still waiting for better treatments, better answers and, ultimately, better chances at life.
I feel incredibly grateful to have two healthy boys in my life — my son and my stepson. I honestly cannot imagine what it would be like to watch either of them face a serious childhood disease or genetic condition, or to have their childhood shaped by hospitals, treatments, uncertainty and the constant worry that comes with caring for a seriously unwell child.
I already know how much love, time, patience, advocacy and effort can go into helping a child who needs a little extra support.
As a mum, I put an enormous amount of time and energy into supporting my son with his ADHD, mental health, education, immunotherapy, vision condition and tutoring, all while working as an aged care Team Leader. I am incredibly grateful that he is here, that he is healthy, and that the challenges we face are ones we can work through together.
That experience has given me an even greater appreciation for families whose children have complex medical conditions or genetic diseases. The emotional, physical and financial load they carry can be unimaginable — and no parent should have to feel like they are facing that journey alone.
That is why medical research matters so much.
One in 20 Australian children is affected by a birth defect or genetic disease. And while many people may not realise it, changes in our genes can play a role in diseases such as cancer.
The research we support today could one day help a child we know, someone in our family, or someone else's family who desperately needs an answer.
There is still so much work to do, but there is also so much hope.
So this month, I'm skipping for Matthew.
I'm skipping for the children still waiting for answers.
I'm skipping for their parents and families.
And I'm skipping in the hope that the research we support today can help give more children the chance to grow up healthy and happy.
Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps support research that could change a child's future.
For Matthew. For the children. For the families. For the future. 🧬💙
Thank you for being part of my challenge.
Latest updates
15 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
No trips! Just 150 more skips!
Day 15 — 150 skips! 🪢🔥
DAY 15 of my 100 skips a day for Jeans for Genes challenge… except apparently I’ve decided 100 isn’t enough anymore 😂
Today I did another 150 skips and THIS TIME… I didn’t trip once. Not once!
Not even in my too big baggy jeans! 🤣😱🙌
100 skips straight through ✅
Then another 50 straight through ✅
No stopping. No tripping. No dramatic rope-related incidents. 😂
I’m honestly pretty proud of this one! 🥹💪
That’s 2,250 skips in 15 days! 🪢🔥
Still skipping, still raising awareness and still doing my little bit for Jeans for Genes and children living with genetic disorders. 💙
Day 15 DONE!
See you tomorrow for Day 16! 👖🪢
14 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Special Guest!
DAY 14 — AND I HAD A SPECIAL GUEST! 🪢💙😂
Today's skips were VERY late because it was one of those crazy busy days — school pick-up, appointments and a million other things happening — but THE SKIPS GOT DONE! 🙌
And today I had a little helper make a brief appearance… my son Dylan! 🥹💙
We decided to attempt tandem skipping together for the very first time… and by “attempt” I mean we managed approximately THREE WHOLE SKIPS before completely losing our rhythm. 😂😂
But honestly, I LOVE that he gave it a go! 🥰
So today's official tally is:
🪢 150 skips by me
🪢 + 3 bonus tandem skips with Dylan
💙 + one very proud mum
Thanks for the support, buddy! ❤️
Another day done for Jeans for Genes! 🧬💙
Day 14 ✔️
150 skips ✔️
Tandem skipping attempted ✔️😂
Still standing ✔️
And yes… we're back at it tomorrow! 🪢🔥
13 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Aloha! 🌺
DAY 13 — 150 SKIPS & STRAIGHT TO WORK! 🌺🪢🔥Quick one today! I had a CRAZY busy morning, so I squeezed in my 150 skips and then had to dash straight off to work! 😂
And because today was Hawaiian Day at work, I was already dressed for the occasion! 🌺🌴☀️
So apparently today's skipping outfit is officially Hawaiian chic. 😂
My legs are still recovering from the punishment I've been dishing out lately, but I told them 150 is the new minimum… and I'm sticking to it! 💪🤣
Day 13 ✔️
150 skips ✔️
Hawaiian vibes ✔️
Legs still attached ✔️
Another 150 done for Jeans for Genes! 🧬💙
Now… off to work I go! 🌺😂
#100SkipsADay #150Skips #JeansForGenes #Day13 #HawaiianDay #SkippingChallenge #FundraisingChallenge #KeepGoing #JeansForGenesAustralia
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 12
DAY 12 — AND MY LEGS HAVE BEEN PUT IN THEIR PLACE! 🐱🔥👖Today I donned my favourite cat ears — because apparently that's the proper motivational attire for telling my aching legs who's boss! 😂🐱
I got through my 100 skips… and then realised I actually had enough stamina left to do ANOTHER 50! 😳
So naturally, I decided my legs needed to be punished for all their complaining lately. 😂🦵
150 SKIPS DONE! ✔️🔥
The warmer weather definitely gave me a little extra energy today, and I was genuinely surprised that I still had another 50 in me!
So now I'm thinking… maybe 150 skips should become my new minimum just to keep these legs in line. 😂
And they thought they were in charge...Haha! THEY WERE WRONG! 🤣
That's 1,320 skips completed for my Jeans for Genes challenge! 🧬💙
More skips tomorrow!
https://fundraise.jeansforgenes.org.au/s/47943/53637
#100SkipsADay #JeansForGenes #Day12 #1250Skips #150Skips
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 11
TODAY! DAY 11 — 100 SKIPS DONE! 🪢💨My legs and I are currently in a disagreement. 😂
They woke up this morning absolutely drilling and apparently decided they had other plans for the day.
Their plan was: stay in bed. 🛌
My plan was: 100 skips. 🪢
Unfortunately for them, I’m the one in charge. 😂
So despite my legs feeling like they have developed a mind of their own and were actively trying to abandon me somewhere around skip 47… I DID IT! 💪🔥
Another 100 skips DONE!
And of course, because Mother Nature apparently wants to make this challenge even more difficult, it was ANOTHER windy day. 💨😂
My legs are now officially submitting a formal complaint.
But that's 1,100 skips down for my Jeans for Genes challenge! 🧬💙
The legs may be aching.
The wind may be fighting me.
But I'm still skipping! 😂
More skips tomorrow… whether my legs agree to it or not! 🪢🤣
I may even punish them with extra skips just to prove who is the boss around here! 🤣
#100SkipsADay #JeansForGenes #Day11 #1100Skips #SkippingChallenge #FundraisingChallenge #KeepGoing #NoGivingUp
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 10
Yesterday's Skips! Day 10!
As promised!
100 SKIPS — DAY 10! 🪢💨
Yesterday was WINDY. Like… “who thought skipping outside was a good idea?” windy. 😂
And my legs were STILL absolutely throbbing after the 200 skips I’d already done to make up Friday!
Honestly, I wasn't even sure my legs were going to hold me up for another 100. 😂🦵
But somehow… they did! 🙌
100 more skips DONE! ✔️
The wind tried to fight me.
My legs tried to quit on me.
But apparently neither was getting the final say. 😂
Another 100 down for my Jeans for Genes 100 Skips a Day challenge! 💙🧬
And yes… there are MORE skips tomorrow. 😭😂
#100SkipsADay #JeansForGenes #Day10 #SkippingChallenge #FundraisingChallenge #KeepGoing #NoGivingUp
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 9
DAY 9 — 100 SKIPS DONE! 🪢🔥
And somehow… I did it AFTER an all-you-can-eat belated birthday lunch for my Dad! 😂🍽️
Considering my legs were already absolutely KILLING ME after making up Friday’s missed 100 skips, plus Saturdays 100 skips in one go, I genuinely wasn't sure how sunday’s 100 were going to happen.
But apparently a full stomach, very sore legs and questionable decision-making are all you need! 😂
I definitely wasn't skipping quite as enthusiastically by the end, but I got those 100 done! 💪
My legs are now screaming at me and I’m starting to think they may never forgive me for this challenge. 😂🦵
But we're back on track! 100 skips a day, every day in August, all to raise money for an incredible cause — Jeans for Genes. 🧬💙
Thank you SO much to everyone who has donated, shared, encouraged me and continues to follow along with my increasingly ridiculous skipping adventures. 😂 Your support means so much to me!
Day 9 ✔️
Legs: 0/10 😭
Determination: still going! 💪
Stay tuned… because apparently I have to do this again tomorrow. 😂🪢
(and will still need to upload today's too!)
#100SkipsADay #JeansForGenes #Day9 #FundraisingChallenge #KeepGoing
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 8
FRIDAY’S 100 SKIPS… I OWE YOU ONE! 😂🪢
After a completely chaotic day (including a hit-and-run 😳), I missed my 100 skips for the first time during my #100SkipsADay challenge.
But I promised I’d make them up… so on Saturday I had 200 skips to do! 💪🔥
Was it exhausting? Absolutely.
Did I question my life choices somewhere in the middle? Also absolutely. 😂
Did I finish them? HECK YES! 🙌
One missed day isn't going to stop me. We’re back on track and keeping those legs moving for #JeansForGenes! 💙
Thank you SO much to everyone who has donated, encouraged me, followed along and cheered me on. It honestly means the world. 🥹💙
Now… who thought doing 200 was a good idea?! 😂
Apologies I am a bit behind with uploading sunday and todays video! They will be up either later tonight or tomorrow morning!
#100SkipsADay #JeansForGenes #200Skips
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 7
Well... today didn't quite go to plan. 💙
For the first time since I started this challenge, I wasn't able to complete my 100 skips.😔
Unfortunately, while I was out running errands today, a tow truck reversed into my parked car,
(with me still in it) shoved it backwards, and then drove off. It turned into a hit-and-run, and the rest of my day was spent dealing with the shock, aftermath, appointments, commitments, and making a police report. By the time I finally got home, the day had completely gotten away from me.
I'm disappointed to miss a day because I've been so determined to stay consistent, but sometimes life throws you a curveball that you simply can't skip over.
The good news? I'm not giving up!
Tomorrow I'll be making up today's 100 skips PLUS tomorrow's 100 skips... that's 200 skips in one hit! 😅 I'll do my best to make the video as entertaining as possible (there are only so many ways one person can jump over a rope 😂), so stay tuned!
If anyone has any particular requests for me to add into my skips, or silly outfits or anything, please comment below and I will do my darnedest to do it! 💪
Thank you all for your incredible support, encouragement, and donations for my Jeans for Genes fundraiser. Every message and every dollar keeps me motivated, even on days like today. ❤️
See you all tomorrow for my 200-skip comeback! 💪🧬
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 6!
❄️ Day 6 of 100 Skips a Day... DONE! 💙👖
Today's challenge was 50 regular skips + 50 alternating crossover skips! 🥵
(Dylan suggested this...thanks mate! 😅)
I won't lie... I needed a couple of breaks because those crossovers absolutely wiped me out! 😂
My legs have been sore for 3 days straight, and after running around at work all week, my regular gym sessions, managing my extremely active 11yr old son, and still sticking to this challenge every day, it's been a much bigger challenge than I expected... but that's exactly why I'm determined to keep going! 💪
It was SO cold today too... I was absolutely freezing my booty off! 🥶🤣
But a promise is a promise, so I got it done!
🎉 The best part? Today is DOUBLE DONATION DAY! 🎉
Thanks to Lowe's, every $1 donated today becomes $2 for vital genetic research, meaning your donation will have twice the impact in helping families affected by genetic diseases. 💙
I'm also excited to say we've now raised $344 of my $500 goal! 🤯❤️ Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, shared my posts, cheered me on and laughed along with my daily skipping adventures. Your support means the world.
As many of you know, I commit to doing at least one fundraiser every year, and this year I chose Jeans for Genes in memory of my cousin Matthew, who passed away from complications of his Cystic Fibrosis. I also count myself incredibly lucky to have a healthy child, and I can't imagine what parents of children living with genetic conditions go through every single day.
🎊🎊If you have any requests, crazy skipping suggestions, please drop a comment and I will do my best to implement them into my next video!🎊🎊🎊
If you've been thinking about donating, today is the perfect day while your contribution is doubled! Every dollar really does make a difference. 💙
Now... who's taking bets on whether I'll still be able to walk by Day 30? 😂🦵 #100SkipsADay #JeansForGenes #DoubleDonationDay #KeepSkipping #FundraisingChallenge 💙
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 5
Day 5 complete! ✅ 120 skips done! 💙🧬
Another 100 skips down... plus 20 bonus skips! 😅
Yesterday, the lovely Collette joked that my video looked like I only did 99 skips 😂. So, I promised I'd make up for it today with an extra 20... and a promise is a promise!
If you see me flashing 10 fingers twice and pointing at the camera, that's my little way of saying, "These extra 20 are for you, Collette!" 💙
Every day this month I'm completing 100 skips to raise money for Jeans for Genes, with this year's fundraiser dedicated to my late cousin Matthew, who lost his battle with Cystic Fibrosis. He was like the big brother I never had, and I'm proud to honour his memory while supporting children and families living with genetic conditions.
Thank you so much to everyone who's donated, shared my posts, cheered me on, or had a laugh with me along the way. Your support genuinely means the world.
If you'd like to support this incredible cause, every donation—big or small—helps fund life-changing research and gives hope to families facing genetic diseases. And if you can't donate, a simple share helps spread awareness just as much. 💙
Now... who's going to claim I only did 119 today? 😉😂
#JeansForGenes #100SkipsADay #Fundraiser #ForMatthew #EverySkipCounts 💙Colette Ryan I give you, my 100 skips, with your extra 20 on top as promised!
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 4
Two Stumbles... 100 Skips! 😂💙
Another 100 skips done! ✅
VIDEO OF TODAYS 100 SKIPS IN THE COMMENTS! 🤣
I may have stumbled twice... 😂 but I got back up, kept going, and made it to all 100!
I don't think this challenge is about being perfect. It's about showing up every day, doing what you can, and hopefully making a small difference for a great cause.
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, shared my posts, cheered me on, or simply taken the time to follow along. Your support means more than you know.
I'll be back tomorrow for another 100 skips! 💙👖
If you'd like to support my Jeans for Genes fundraiser, every donation—big or small—helps support children and families affected by genetic conditions. Thank you for being part of this journey! 💙
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 2 and 3
💙 100 Skips a Day – Day 3 Update! 👖Okay… confession time. 🤦♀️😂
I DID forget to record yesterday’s skips!
BUT… because it was my Dad’s birthday yesterday, I decided to do 200 skips for him instead! 🎂💙 I thought I was being clever and made sure to record it this time…
Only to realise afterwards that I had pressed PHOTO instead of VIDEO. 🤦♀️😂
Honestly, my family has a saying:
“I am who I am because of you.” 😂
And I don't think there has ever been a more accurate explanation for this particular moment of my life. 🤣
So… no evidence of yesterday’s 200 skips exists, but I PROMISE they happened! 😂
If you see my legs give way at work today, let that stand *see what I did there 🤣* as evidence!
Today’s 100 skips are officially DONE! ✅
After the last two days of recording disasters, I did NOT, in fact, feel like attempting another video today. 😂 So you'll just have to take my word for it again!
I WILL try again tomorrow though… because apparently I'm determined to eventually figure out how to use the camera on my phone. 🤦♀️🤣
Also, just to put all of this into perspective… I am acutely aware that I am NOT social-media trained or experienced in any way, shape or form. 😂 So please bear with me while I learn how to actually do this whole “documenting my challenge” thing!
I'm here to skip, raise some money for a fantastic cause and hopefully not accidentally photograph myself 31 times instead of recording. 🤣
That's 300 skips down over the last two days, and I'm still going! 💪💙
Thank you to everyone following along, supporting me and having a laugh at my expense. 😂 Every skip is helping raise money for children affected by genetic diseases and the vital research that can help change their lives.
Tomorrow. I will record it. Surely. 😂
#100SkipsADay #JeansForGenes #JeansForGenesDay #EverySkipCounts #Fundraising #Day3 #ChallengeAccepted
12 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Day 1!
🎉 Day 1 of the 100 Skips a Day Challenge is DONE! 👖💙August has officially begun, which means it's time to start skipping for Jeans for Genes!
Today's 100 skips are complete... although I have a confession. 🤣 I didn't record today's effort because I wanted a "practice run" to make sure I wasn't about to embarrass myself (too much) on camera!
From tomorrow onwards I'll be sharing my daily progress...at least Ill try! 🤣 (whether it's graceful or a complete tangle of skipping rope... we'll find out together 😂).
I'm proud to be taking on this challenge to help raise funds for children and families affected by genetic diseases. Every donation, no matter the size, helps support vital research that can change lives.
If you'd like to support me and this amazing cause, I'd be incredibly grateful. ❤️ Thank you to everyone who's already cheering me on—you'll definitely be helping keep me accountable for the next 31 days!
Now... 3,000 more skips to go this month! 💪🩵
#100SkipsADay #JeansForGenes #Fundraising #EverySkipCounts #ChallengeAccepted
04 Aug 2026 by Catherine Riley
Let Go !
Time to put my legs to the test!
Raised so far
With your help, I have raised...
$751
You’re helping fund research to find cures for kids with genetic diseases. Every dollar counts!
Biggest Donor
Deb Lowden
$117
Thank you so much to my biggest supporter, Deb Lowden, for donating an incredible $117 to help fund vital research into curing children’s genetic diseases.
My Impact
So far this year, I've helped fund...
15
Hours of research
Every $50 raised funds an hour of vital research.
Thank you to our donors
$1
Anonymous
3 weeks ago
$43
Anonymous
4 weeks ago
$61
Anonymous
A beautiful human, doing a beautiful thing for a beautiful cause...You're amazing, Girl! Love you!💜💪👏🏻🫶🏻☺️
1 month ago
$61
Danielle Dyce
Great job Catherine.
1 month ago
$24
Jessi Martin
Good to help. Especially for younger children.
1 month ago
$12
Matched Gift
Your donation has been doubled by our sponsors!
1 month ago
$12
Emma Calthorpe
1 month ago
$56
Matched Gift
Your donation has been doubled by our sponsors!
1 month ago
$56
Frank And Elizabeth Bowker
1 month ago
$40
Matched Gift
Your donation has been doubled by our sponsors!
1 month ago
$40
Ali O'shea
You go girl, well done x
1 month ago
$56
Matched Gift
Your donation has been doubled by our sponsors!
1 month ago
$56
Gai Bradford
Well done.
1 month ago
$12
Jenny Boys
1 month ago
$117
Deb Lowden
1 month ago
$56
Trevor Riley
1 month ago
$12
Colette Ryan
Because you and your son are beautiful xx
1 month ago
$35
Anonymous
1 month ago
