AWAKE TO BIG CHALLENGE
As one of SA’s finest lawn bowlers, Mark Haines has put in countless hours on the greens.
But never 26 hours straight.
Next month Haines, 32, will attempt an extraordinary 26-hour lawn bowling marathon, taking on his club mates from West Lakes and other leading bowlers around Adelaide in a soporific charity drive for mental health.
A regular state and Adelaide Endurance player over the past 11 years, Haines felt compelled to act following the number of Australians who have dealt with mental health problems throughout the pandemic.
“With what’s gone on in the past nine to 12 months and how it’s affected everyone, it just seemed like something a little bit different to do,” he said. “So I’ve grabbed the bull by the horns and run with it.”
To prepare for the challenge, Haines has joined his local Cross Fit at Royal Park to boost his endurance.
He’ll begin a catalogue of matches from the afternoon of December 19 and finish the following evening.
Haines, captain of West Lakes Bowling Club, has faced his own battles off the rink and recognised the importance of accessing support.
“Personally, going through many ups and downs in 32 years I can attest to the struggle many people go through on a daily basis with their mental health and who are always looking for the reason to keep going,” he said. “I’ve been lucky enough to have family and friends to lean on for support in those times but some people aren’t as fortunate and do it on their own.”
All funds raised will be donated to Beyond Blue via the Everyday Hero donation portal.
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