Big Buddy Blair Cranston has been matched with 11 year old Linus for nearly two years. Having experienced the incredible impact this friendship is having on both their lives he decided to embark on an amazing challenge to raise funds to support more boys living without their dads.

After a launch live on the AM Show, 62-year-old Blair hit the rowing machine three times a day, seven days a week for around two months to row a total of 1892km - the distance between New Zealand and Australia.  This “Trans-Tasman” row took place at Club Physical in Whangaparoa and is being supported by Bayleys in the North.

The goal is to support the Big Buddy programme and help match another 15 boys with a Big Buddy to spend time with.

Anyone who dropped into Club Physical and rowed with him, Bayleys pledged to donate $1 for every kilometre!

100% of donations go to Big Buddy, supporting boys without their dads.

You can still donate today - please click below!