Pambula and Tathra Surf Life Saving Clubs raise over $7000 for mental health in 24-hour row event

The event was part of a national push to raise funds for mental health charity Gotcha4Life who reallocates funds to communities taking part, to assist with their mental health. There were 40 surf clubs around Australia which took part.

Pambula surf boat captain Kirsty Byrne said her goal was to raise $4000 enough for two mental health information sessions, something Kirsty believes is needed, particularly for young people in the area.

"It was wonderful, it all went like clockwork. Everyone turned up for their timeslot," Kirsty said.

In fact the club raised $5000 and in doing so rowed their way through 886km.

Kirsty had a one hour rowing session at midnight, followed by 6am and 10am sessions on Sunday.

"I did manage to get two hours sleep but on Sunday I went to bed at 4pm and slept straight through," she said

"Six people stayed at the club over Saturday night and it was good waking up at 5.15am and seeing the sunrise."

But what particularly pleased Kirsty was just having the 24 hour row.

"It was really nice to run an event and have it go ahead," she said.

Tathra Surf Life Saving Club has raised about $2500 and rowed a huge 1028km.

Tathra SLSC club captain Anthony Nagle said the two clubs are very competitive, "so it was awesome to see us come together and achieve such an accomplishment".

Tathra had some real titans of rowing in their ranks and one in particular Chris Thomas who created a new record with his 42km row in 3hrs 11 minutes. Chris rowed 60km in all.

Club members are happy to receive donations through their page at 24-hour row for mental health