Paddlers on the Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon will today unite to form a bridge across the Murray River in a mark of respect for those who perished in the Asian quake and tsunami.

After finishing the grueling 404 kilometre race, paddlers are always desperate to get out of the craft and celebrate with family and friends but today they will spend some extra time to send a message of support to those who have been lost and those who have been affected by the disaster.

“Like everybody else, the paddlers are overwhelmed by the scale and human suffering of the disaster and although they are focused on finishing the race, they wanted to show their support,” said Race Committee Chairman Bob Badham.  “Although we have been relatively isolated from media, the enormity of the situation has not been lost.”

The Marathon is a fundraising event that supports the work of the Australian Red Cross, Victoria in providing emergency and community services.

The organization has launched an appeal for the victims of the disaster, with funds raised in Australia to be used in one of three ways;
* To fund the deployment of specialist delegates to the region to assist in the International Red Cross response
* To support the relief and rehabilitation work of our Red Cross and Red Crescent Partners through the global emergency appeal.
* To support an Australian Red Cross program in the affected area.

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS ASIA QUAKE AND TSUNMAI APPEAL BY;

* Calling 1800 811 700
* Visiting www.redcross.org.au to make a secure online donation
* Donating at any branch of the Commonwealth Bank

FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF THE EVENT OR TO ACCESS VISION OR PICS PLEASE CALL DANIELLE RAMSEY ON 0407 514 192 OR LARS ON 0403 368 229