A Woolooware man has raised almost $12,000 for Australia's drought-affected farmers by taking part in a 24-hour rowing-machine challenge.
Tim Davis set up a GoFundMe page in the hope of raising $5000 for Aussie Helpers, a charity set up by Brian and Nerida Egan in 2002 to help drought-affected farmers like themselves. Mr Egan passed away earlier this year, but the charity says it will continue his work.
Mr Davis came up with the idea of holding a 24-hour Row for a Farmer event, which took place at Crossfit BodiComplete, Kirrawee, from noon on Saturday, February 8, until lunchtime Sunday, February 9.
His best mate Ash Nisbet joined him for the 24-hour event, during which they rowed side-by-side, taking 10-minute breaks where necessary to stretch, refuel and use the bathroom.
Mr Davis said the pair covered a combined distance of 375km, and burned more than 20,000 calories during the epic 24-hour challenge.
He said they were able to complete the marathon effort thanks to the support of family and friends.
"We had plenty of food and water to keep up going [and] had people calling in throughout the night and supporting us," Mr Davis said.
"Some people came in at 2:30am to row for a couple of hours."
Mr David said they raised a total of $11,800, which came from the GoFundMe, a silent auction, barbecue, cupcake sale, donations and T-shirt sales.
Aussie Helpers delivers hay, stock feed and water for animals as well as food, toiletries and fuel vouchers to farmers, who also receive counselling and mental health support.
Figures show the suicide rate for male farmers is almost 50 per cent higher than the average in rural Australia.
The GoFundMe page is still open. Donations: click here.
