The 25th Annual Barney Miller Charity Surf Classic

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This March, we are celebrating the 25th Annual Barney Miller Charity Surf Classic. This years recipient is Mike Thorncroft, a local to Coffs Harbour

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This March, we are celebrating the 25th Annual Barney Miller Charity Surf Classic. 25 years of community spirit &amp; helping families through challenging times. We are so grateful for all the support over the years in making this event one of the biggest all age surf events in Australia.  Every year our local Sawtell surf boardriders club alongside member of the  community donate their time to run this event with some even taking time off work to be part of it. It is a very special event. A small portion of funds goes to the running costs of the event with the remaining amount of all proceeds going to the years recipient.  This years recipient is Mike Thorncroft, a local to Coffs Harbour, Michael lives with his partner Courtney and their one-year-old son, Hunter and is a heavy diesel mechanic by trade. Michael enjoys the great outdoors—camping, four-wheel driving, mountain biking, motorbike riding, and spending quality time with family and friends. On January 13th, 2024, Michael’s life took an unexpected turn when he had a serious motocross accident. Crashing through a rhythm section, he sustained multiple rib fractures, a punctured lung, a torn rotator cuff, multiple spinal fractures, and a spinal cord injury resulting from an L2 vertebrae fracture. After being stabilized at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, Michael was transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital for emergency spinal surgery. He spent a week in ICU, followed by shoulder surgery, and then two months in the spinal injury unit. Michael’s recovery continued at Royal Rehab’s spinal injury unit for another four months. His injury left him a paraplegic, largely reliant on a wheelchair. Despite these immense challenges, Mikeys resilience and determination shone through. During his time in rehab, he set a goal to walk again—a goal he’s been fortunate enough to make progress on, allowing him to walk short distances with a four-wheel walker or crutches. His journey to mobility continues as he strives to reduce his dependence on a wheelchair. Michael was recently discharged on July 17, 2024, and returned home to Coffs Harbour, where he and his family are still aiming to achieve their goal of traveling around Australia in 2026, despite his injury. Spinal cord injuries present unique challenges, with varying feelings, sensations, pain, and abilities for each individual. Mentally, it has been a tough road for Michael, his partner, and his family. However, his positivity and strong will have been crucial in keeping him motivated and focused on the bigger picture. We are again reaching out far and wide to companies for their support Mike and his family in his big journey ahead.  We are proud that the surf event sold out in 3 minutes &amp; the surfers entry fees will be going direct to the cause. Other ways to donate over the weekend will be raffles, silent &amp; live auctions, games &amp; a Barnyard Hoedown at the Sawtell RSL.  We thank you for your time in reading this proposal.  If you have any further questions please reach out.  Barney Miller &amp; the BMC Committee.  Ph: 0432768123