A Belfast Dad and school Vice Principal, is preparing to take on a gruelling 22-mile solo rowing challenge, from Carrickfergus to Portpatrick in Scotland, in an attempt to break the current world record and to raise funds for the Neo Natal Unit at the Ulster Hospital.
In June, Rory and Victoria O’Connor’s son Patrick was born four weeks prematurely and developed respiratory distress syndrome, requiring seven days of specialist care in the Neo Natal Unit.
For the family, it was a “terrifying time”, but now, baby Patrick is thriving at home with his mum, dad and big sister Mollie, thanks to the dedicated care and compassion of the Ulster Hospital Neo Natal Team.
Rory, an international rower and member of Lagan Scullers Club, said the care Patrick received during those difficult early days left a lasting impression on him.
Rory explained, “When Patrick was born, he was quite unwell. He was struggling to breathe and spent time in the Neo Natal Unit. The care and compassion he, as well as my wife Victoria, received was unbelievable. It really blew me away. They saved Patrick’s life.”
“I remember coming home and saying to Victoria, ‘We need to give something back’.”
Vice Principal of Strangford Integrated College, Rory is now preparing to put his rowing experience to the ultimate test, as he attempts to row from Carrickfergus to Portpatrick in Scotland – and attempt to break the current world record!
The existing record stands at three hours and 35 minutes and was set in 1997 by Belfast man John Murray.
Rory said his passion for rowing provided the perfect opportunity to raise funds and give something back to the team who cared for his son, “Given my background in rowing, I thought it was a perfect vehicle to use to fundraise and ultimately give back to the Neo Natal Unit.
“I am hoping to break the current world record of three hours and 35 minutes. I am now waiting for the right weather window to complete the challenge.”
With Patrick now very much settled at home with mum dad and big sister Mollie, Rory reflected on how emotional it was coming back to the Neo Natal Unit to meet with staff ahead of his rowing challenge.
Rory added, “Coming back and being on the ward, seeing the discharge bell and the staff, it was bringing it all back. We spent ten days here and I know it can be a relatively short period of time, but it felt like a lifetime when we were in here.
“As a family we are just so grateful for all the help that Patrick received. I have set up a Go Fund page and friends, family, members from the rowing club have all got behind me and the family to support me in my training. 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.”
Neo Natal Sister Gemma Cummins stated, “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!”