For immediate release
From Heidi Pollard
Public Relations Manager
John Hunter Hospital

Solo sailor lives it up for Christmas

Well-known Lake Macquarie yachtsman Tony Mowbray, who has been at sea since October 15, 2000, will be celebrating Christmas in a very different way this year.

This year, Tony says he will probably spend the day on the opposite side of the world to his home at Lake Macquarie.

"Looks like Christmas is going to be spent just about smack on the Tristan Da Cunha Island Group," Tony said today. "I'll probably be asleep when Santa comes but I'll leave a bourbon out for him."

"The passion and love I have for sailing is only surpassed by the passion and love I have for my wife Lorraine, and our two beautiful children, Holly and Jordan," Tony said. "I really miss my children."

Tony explained that his Christmas Day will consist of:

• BI-LO Christmas pudding and custard,
• Opening presents he took with him from his children, family and friends,
• Calling home to speak to his family,
• Putting up Christmas decorations if the weather is calm enough (although some of them had fallen in the water so he's not sure what state they are in),
• Considering he is already talking to himself, Tony figures he may as well sing some Christmas carols too even though he professes to not being able to "sing for nuts",
• If the weather is alright he may have "a celebratory drink of either wine, bourbon and apple juice, rum or beer - if it is a very good day I may have the whole lot!"

Funds from Tony's Solo Globe Challenge 2000 campaign will go towards the purchase of 10 vital signs systems monitors needed for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and valued at $18,000 each. These machines are used in the NICU at the hospital to monitor the vital signs of premature babies born up to 17 weeks premature.

Tony's message to everyone back home this Christmas was a simple one:

"Those out there that have children should make sure that they really appreciate and love them. Give them lots of hugs and kisses - all the time, not just at Christmas. Hope the big guy in the red suit brings you what you want."

Visit Tony's website for regular updates during the trip at, www.sailsolo.com.

For more information contact:
Heidi Alexandra Pollard
Public Relations Manager
John Hunter Hospital
Phone: 4921 4501