Jamberoo’s Swan Athletics not only topped the fundraising in Australia for Gotcha4Life in their 24 hour row earlier this month but their efforts are now bringing the Foundation’s mental health program to Jamberoo.

With a total of $300,000 raised from all the clubs across Australia that took part in the row, Alan Swan’s small gym was the biggest fundraisers, bringing in just shy of $18,000.

Alan says in what was a huge fundraising effort, all members of the gym and people within the community who were asked to chip in had no hesitation in supporting the row.

“All of that money goes straight into Gotcha4Life, which deals with mental fitness and has a target of zero suicide rates. They have a variety of mental fitness programs and workshops that they run in the community and as a result of this area supporting so well, they are coming here,” Alan says.

“If I were to get half of what we had raised, I would have been thrilled, so I am absolutely over the moon. And to see that come back and be spent in our community is even better.”

With over 50 rowers participating, the gym kept their machines going non-stop with people doing one or multiple 30 or 60 minute shifts that didn’t stop until a total of 603 kilometres were rowed.

Alan Swan is blown away by the effort made by everyone

Alan says despite all the sweat shed, mental fitness was always their priority.

“This community has had some tough times, particularly young people taking that terrible option of suicide, so it was something meaningful that we felt we could come together and do to show support and solidarity,” he says.

“There was also a nice tie in with mental fitness during the row. Originally, I thought we would just have one rowing machine going, but Gotcha4Life suggested having two, with the analogy being when you’re doing it tough rowing in the middle of the night, you’ve got a buddy there to talk to.

The rowers went through the night

“It is all about being there for people and trying to encourage them to speak. When people are doing it tough and are in a bit of a dark space, talk to your buddy or someone you trust.”

Alan says everyone had a great time despite their tired legs and sore bodies.

 “It was a blast. We made a real event out of it with people camping, a big fire, and a BBQ. But this event only happened because of the support we received from local businesses.”

Parfait Patisserie, Chapel Hill Medical Massage, Jamberoo Valley Meats, Elevate Aerial Images, NEG Photography and the Man Walk Jamberoo were the businesses that helped make it a special occasion.

With talks already happening about what they can do bigger and better next year, Alan is warning people to “look out for us in twelve month’s time”.

You can still donate to the cause here.