29 December 2005

The Murray Marathon’s oldest competitor, 74-year-old Cecilia Bourke, isn’t satisfied with making a contribution to Red Cross by herself; instead she has encouraged a whole team of people to help Australian Red Cross by participating in the Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon.  Cecilia and her team the Blue Belles have raised more than $2500 for Australian Red Cross as part of their entry in the Murray Marathon.

A former Olympic kyaker, Burke was assisted by Red Cross during the 1946 uprising in Hungary.  'Kayaking has always been a big part of my life. I loved it. Now the main reason I paddle is to contribute to Australian Red Cross'.

Cecilia is participating in her 14th Murray Marathon with a group of paddlers from the Ivanhoe-Northcote Canoe Club, including friend and physician Ishita Palit.  Dr Palit’s involvement in paddling sports is all thanks to Cecilia. ‘She used to come to see me very regularly but there was nothing wrong with her, she just wanted to convince me to get into paddling.’

The team is three days into the five-day, 404km paddle from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill.  The Team are currently placed second in the TK2 mixed relay division and the result is bringing out the competitive side of Cecilia, claims team mate, 22-year-old Hannah Fitzgerald.  “I wasn’t sure the team was for me when I called Cecilia about joining and heard this quivering voice on the end of the line.  But as soon as I got on the water with them I knew I wanted to do it.’

Cecilia is described by her team mates as very warm 'she likes to hug her paddling partner after each paddle even if it’s just training' says Fitzgerald. She is still a tough coach, however, and currently has more than 30 people under her wing, possible Murray Marathon paddlers amongst them.

Whilst the training is important the fundraising aspect of the Blue Belles preparation was also a team effort. They organised movie nights, a breakfast, and raffled off a home-cooked three-course meal in an effort to maximize funds raised for Australian Red Cross.  Cecilia feels she owes a debt to Red Cross who helped her and by participating in the Murray Marathon and encouraging others, to she is able to repay that debt.