'I need to give something back': NI dad aims to break rowing record to Scotland to raise thousands for neo-natal unit that saved his son
An Ulster dad is aiming to break a rowing record for charity, heading on a gruelling solo crossing from the coast of Co Antrim to Scotland.
Rory O’Connor’s performing his ambitious feat to raise money for medics that provided invaluable aid over the summer when his baby son was born prematurely.
The level of care little Patrick received at the Ulster Hospital’s neo-natal unit saved his life, Rory says, and so impressed the Belfast man that he wants to show his gratitude in any way he can.
“The care and compassion he, as well as my wife Victoria, received was unbelievable,” he says. “It really blew me away. They saved Patrick’s life.
“I remember coming home and saying to Victoria, ‘We need to give something back’.”
He now plans to row from Carrickfergus to Portpatrick in Dumfries and Galloway, hoping to be able to gift thousands of pounds to the unit to thank them.
And former international rower Rory aims to break the current record for a solo crossing of the North Channel, a time of three hours and 35 minutes that has stood for almost 30 years.
Arriving four weeks prematurely, newborn Patrick developed respiratory distress syndrome, which left him struggling to breathe and undergoing days of specialist care.
It was a “terrifying time”, say the family – though thanks to the dedicated care of the hospital team, he’s now thriving at home with his mum, dad and big sister Mollie.
Still, Rory says the 10 nerve-wracking days they spent in the neo-natal unit “felt like a lifetime”.
“As a family we are just so grateful for all the help that Patrick received,” he said, adding that a return visit ahead of his rowing challenge proved emotional: “Coming back and being on the ward, seeing the discharge bell and the staff, it was bringing it all back.”
Vice-Principal of Strangford Integrated College and a member of Lagan Scullers Club, Rory says his passion for rowing provides the perfect opportunity to raise funds and give something back to the team who cared for his son.
“I have set up a crowdfunding page and friends, family, members from the rowing club have all got behind me and the family to support me in my training,” he said. “I am just waiting for the right weather window to complete it.
“All funds raised from the row, minus the boat safety costs, will go directly to the Ulster Hospital neo-natal unit. We cannot thank the staff enough.”
The Belfast dad has set himself a target of raising £7,500 for the unit, though with around £6,700 already in the coffers he’s already 90% of the way there.
Stated the neo-natal ward’s sister Gemma Cummins: “It is such a generous donation that Rory is going to provide for us. It means a lot to us and will enable us to enhance our care and experience to families that are already going through their own neo-natal journey and for the families to come.
“It is really touching for our staff to see how Rory and Victoria are still thinking of us. It really is so meaningful for us as a team and we want to wish Rory the very best as he prepares to undertake his challenge.”