Everyday Hero, Rob Barton

MSLSC will be welcoming our very own “everyday hero” Rob Barton, back from his recent and record-breaking unassisted row from Australia to Africa to raise funds for a WA based mental health charity Zero2Hero. Rob will be sharing his story with us on Friday 11^th August at 6pm, along with a representative from Zero2Hero. Guests are welcome to make a voluntary donation on the evening and a few snacks will be kindly provided by the club. Feel free to bring along a plate to share, grab a drink from the bar and sit back for an inspirational evening. There will be a short Q and A time and we might even get an answer to the burning question “where is Wilson?”.

Rob has broken a World Record to row non-stop and unassisted, more than 8000kms from Carnarvon in Western Australia to Tanga in Africa in 86 days. Along the way he encountered a few obstacles such as sea sickness, butt chafing (aka naked rower), fickle forecasts, massive waves and seas, currents, drenched bedding and a couple of capsizing events. However, Rob was well prepared with land based strategic support from his family, good mates, awesome sponsors, supporters from the University of Western Australia and generous donors. Rob persevered through the tough times and focused on the motivation for his expedition – raising funds for the charity zero2hero. Rob’s row has currently raised over $100,000 for Zero2Hero, a charity with a vision that is very close to his heart: improving young peoples mental health and wellbeing and helping to prevent suicide in Australia. “Currently suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians under the age of 44” (Zero2Hero).

Many thanks to all those that have already generously donated and supported Rob. A special thanks to Neil Forbes (fellow patrolling member and the epitome of mateship), who has supported Rob (from the shore) throughout the planning and execution of his epic mission. Neil has been in daily contact with Rob and travelled to both Carnarvon for his departure and Tanga in Tanzania for the exciting finish of Rob’s Row. Thanks to Jenni Wood, Neil Forbes and MSLSC for organising the recent fundraising Row-A-Thon. Thanks also to all those involved in organising this welcome home event and a special vote of thanks to the McCusker Foundation – who recently donated an epic $50,000 to Zero2Hero.