Nuffield scholar and Accidentally Outback's inspirational hero, Rob Cook this morning began the trek of a lifetime, tackling the first leg of his 730 kilometre wheelchair adventure along the Northern Territory’s Tanami Track.
Rob has been confined to a motorised wheelchair for the past three years, after sustaining a severe spinal injury in a helicopter crash. Last year Rob was named the 255th winner of the International Nuffield Scholarship, and now he’s raising money to help with the additional expenses he will have while completing his scholarship abroad by conquering the red rocks of the Tanami, from his remote home of Suplejack Station to the cityscapes of Alice Springs.
Letty Cook, Rob’s mum, says there were clear skies for Rob’s farewell from Suplejack this morning. "We are all very excited, lots of laughter took place around the breakfast table, but we haven't lost sight of the fact that this is a huge challenge that Rob is undertaking.”
She says everyone at the station set off with Rob for the first kilometre of his journey, before he left with an entourage of supporters, including Dave and Liz Brownhill from Nuffield Australia, childhood friend and police officer Luke Bevan (pictured above with Rob), as well as a handful of family, friends and carers.
As a former Australian champion rookie bull rider, Rob says some of his toughest tests have come from the rodeo arena, which has taught him to keep on climbing, no matter the size of the mountain, “However today I’m so glad the Tanami Track is going to be very flat!”
Ready to set off: Rob Cook with his wife Sarah, and his carers Loretta Cook and Jake Adamson
Travelling at an average of six kilometres an hour, and 36 kilometres a day, Rob’s planning to tackle the Tanami in just 24 days. The team will rely on solar and generated power to keep Rob’s specialised 4x4 wheelchair in working order, and carry their own water and food supplies in a portable cold room.
Aside from showing his commitment to the Nuffield Scholarship and all his supporters, Rob says he’s hoping the challenge will motivate others, bringing “hope to all those Australians with a disability who live and work on farms to not just sit around and think your life is over if you have had an accident.”
For more information visit www.robcook.com.au
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Can't keep a good bull rider down
and great job Rob!!!
Will follow your trip. Congratulations to you and your wonderful family and supporters.
I hope the vehicle stands you in good stead, and the weather iwill be on your side. Bon Voyage!!!
And who said that the old aussie spirit is dead. it may be dieing in the Capital cities, but you Bush Blokes are keeping it alive !! I wish you well Rob, and know you will Do It, Love It, and Remember It, for years to come. So have a happy and safe journey, take time to smell the roses [ oops saltbush ] and don't speed !!! Good Luck, and Goodonya Mate. Daryl
We are truly proud of you Rob, keep up the good work and we will see you on the last leg of your journey and celebrate with a BBQ in Alice xoxo Lilla
What a real Australian hero and inspiration to us all!