Off to Outward Bound

Laura Barr is still pinching herself as her dream to head to Outward Bound is finally a reality, thanks to the kindness of the Hawke's Bay community.

A charity dinner, auction and raffle on Friday August 3, raised $5000 to get Laura to the outdoor venture.

Her husband Robert Barr died in a tragic accident on a rural property in CHB four years ago when a nail gun fired into his chest, leaving the then 23-yearold mother and 16-week-old daughter Asher on their own.

The charity dinner was organised by Fundraising Work's Bronwyn Harman and hosted by entertainer Ali Beal at the Havelock North Community Centre.

Now 27, Laura's story touched the hearts of many who turned up to support her cause and others made generous donations for the raffle and auction.

“I'm blown away,” Laura said. “People definitely got amongst it with the auction and the raffle was amazing.

“I also got a surprise painting of my girl by artist Abbey Merson.”

The surprises didn't stop there and Bronwyn Harman saved the best for last, announcing to Laura that Outward Bound got in touch with her mother to donate $1000 towards her trip in November.

“It was extremely overwhelming,” a baffled Laura said.

“I am doing Outward Bound to prove to Asha and everyone else who has had a rough patch that challenges can be overcome if you really want it to. Things can change for the good, but you have to want it. You have to get up and look for it, ask around, get support and move forward.”