A FORMER Kerang footballer is raising depressions awareness by paddling the length of the Murray River.
Brad McCabe is 20 days into a 2200-kilometre journey that will see him travel on a 4.8-metre canoe from Albury to the mouth of the Murray River at Goolwa, South Australia.
The expedition – which has the support of beyondblue – came about following the death of Mr McCabe’s brother, Tom in August 2014.
“I really wanted to row the river, then when Beyond Blue came on board it meant a bit more,” he said.
“The loss of my brother and some of my mates makes it a strong cause.
“Unfortunately it is something that is happening too often.”
Mr McCabe passed through the area last weekend, with the visit to the likes of Koondrook, Myall and Swan Hill enabling the former Blue to meet up with his teammates from the 2005 season.
“It has been good to come back to the area and catch up with some of my old mates,” he said.
As of yesterday, the Rowing for a Cause initiative had raised more than $18,000 for beyondblue’s efforts to provide support for those dealing with depression, with the expedition also encouraging people to speak to someone if affected.
“I wondered if I would even be able to do the paddle, but the support I have received makes it so much easier,” Mr McCabe said.
People can keep up to date on Mr McCabe’s expedition by visiting the Rowing for a Cause Facebook page.
Donations can also be made online.
• If you or someone you know need support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14
