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Since 62-year-old Blair Cranston began his epic fundraiser for the Big Buddy charity in September, he has completed 1450km on rowing machines and raised around $3000.
In total, he will row 1892km – the distance from NZ to Australia – and hopes to reach his target by November 25.
The Stanmore Bay Bayleys Real Estate agent’s efforts were boosted on November 2 by a visit from Olympic rower Eric Murray, who rowed 10km alongside him on machines outside Club Physical in Coast Plaza. He also brought his Olympic medals for the public to take a close look at.
Murray had plenty of advice for Blair as they rowed. Most of it was about a smooth and efficient rowing technique, but he also offered advice on how to deal with the callouses on Blair’s hands, which have opened up as he has been rowing for more than two hours every day.
“Whip them off with a knife,” was Murray’s suggestion.
Big Buddy is a charity that matches 7-14-year-old boys who do not have a father in their lives with men who can be a reliable mentor and friend. Blair has been a Big Buddy to Linus for two years which is why he is a champion of this cause.
Donations wanted It is the final few weeks of the fundraiser, and more donations are needed. They can be made at www.bigbuddy.org.nz/events/ • Or drop into Club Physical at Coast Plaza, Whangaparāoa and row alongside Blair – Bayleys donates $1 for every kilometre. There is information at the gym as to what times Blair will be there rowing. Backstory September 19, 2022.
