MICK O’Rourke is usually helping people out on the water, but this month he’s asking the community to help him as he paddles to raise funds for Marine Rescue Port Stephens.
Mr O’Rourke and his wife Juliet will join Rick and Genelle Pacey for the Massive Murray Paddle, sharing 415 kilometres of paddling over five days from 16 to 20 November.
Having completed the event 16 times, with six division wins and two outright victories, he fancied another trip down the river — with a little more time to look around.
“Mick just decided he’d like to give it a go again, but this time have a leisurely paddle rather than racing and not seeing anything of the river,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
When Mick agreed to go, Juliet decided to join him.
This will be her first Massive Murray Paddle, although she has tackled the 111-kilometre Hawkesbury Canoe Classic.
“I’m nervous,” she said.
Regular training paddles and a trip around Sydney Harbour with old canoe-club friends have helped her feel more confident about the distance.
The team will share the paddling, choosing their legs as they go. Mr O’Rourke has volunteered for a 40-kilometre stretch, while Rick Pacey has his eye on a fast-flowing section where he can enjoy the river’s power.
For Juliet, the appeal is the challenge, the company and catching up with familiar faces along the way.
There are also a few aches and pains to manage.
“It’s just being able to stack up day after day,” she said.
Choosing Marine Rescue as their beneficiary was easy. Mr Pacey has a connection through his sailing club, while Mr O’Rourke regularly helps boaters through his work on rescue vessels and in the radio room. He also helps train boat crews and maintain the unit’s website.
“Mick is one of our most active volunteers – we’re incredibly proud to have him as part of our unit,” Unit Commander Howard Faulks said.
Funds raised will help cover boat and base maintenance, training, safety equipment and the bills that keep the service operating around the clock.
“Special donations like this let our volunteers know they are supported and the gesture brings a smile to everyone’s faces,” Mr Faulks said.
Asked how much the team hoped to raise, Mrs O’Rourke’s answer was straightforward: “As much as possible.”
To donate, visit marinerescueportstephens.au/donation-bank-details/ and put MMP in the notes so your donation counts towards the team’s fundraising total.
By Althea GUINSBERG
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