TWO men on a mission called into Port Macquarie on Saturday, keen to raise awareness of the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Tony Miller- Greenman and Michael Leith are good mates and keen surfers.
Both are also in the business of medicine – Tony is a doctor and Michael is studying medicine.
The two have embarked on a stand-up paddle of 920km from Sydney to Brisbane, raising funds for Beyondblue.
Tony said he had always dreamed of a way to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to the community.
“This dream has taken shape and snowballed. It morphed into an event that would motivate and inspire people to take control of their own physical and mental health,” he said.
“To be able to combine this with Australia’s most beautiful coastline is a privilege.”
The pair started on 27 December, and all going well will finish in Bondi on 26 January, Australia Day.
They were escorted into Port Macquarie by Marine Rescue, after which Wayne Dean from Stand Up Paddle hosted a barbecue for them. Wayne presented them with a cheque for $200, $100 of which was from his and the other $100 Sprague accountants. Ocean Star also put up a $150 voucher to be auctioned via the fund-raising website.
Mr Deane said he decided to support the quest because of its connection with paddle-boarding, which his business caters for, but also because of Beyondblue, a helpline and support network for males suffering from depression.
“Blokes don’t talk about stuff like girls do, and it’s a really important cause,” he said.
The two visiting paddlers stayed overnight at the Port Macquarie Sea Scouts Hall.
For more information on their quest and details of how you can donate, visit www.thebigbluepaddle.com
