Circumnavigating Tasmania for MND

My name is Craig Machen & I live in Somerset on the N/W Coast of Tasmania. Im a 53 year old Firefighter with the Tasmania Fire Service ,employed in Community Education, working in the area of delivering fire safety education to school children, vulnerable community groups & interested organisations.
Prior to Community education I had 25 years of operational Firefighting,working in career brigades throughout the state but mostly in Burnie. My role with Burnie has involved all aspects of operational firefighting with my specialty being Road Crash & Heavy Rescue.
Since 1973 I have been an active surf life-saver & for quite some time now a Life member of Somerset SLSC . I am currently a member along with my wife & children of Burnie Surf Life Saving club.
Many years ago I had a goal to paddle solo around Tasmania on a surf ski or sea kayak but due to a work accident where I was buried under a brick wall while firefighting, this goal never came to fruition. Some 25 years later after battling PTSD, chronic fatigue & pelvic injuries im feeling fit & healthy, (although not quite as fast anymore) & would like to attempt this incredible feat.
My motivation to do this was initially inspired by a man called Tony Dicker who was one of the earliest persons to circumnavigate the state by kayak. All these years later I am once again inspired, this time by his nephew Kirk Dicker who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Kirk has a partner & 5 year old son. Kirk was my team mate & close friend whom I paddled & trained & competed with while at Somerset SLSC. I want to do this for Kirk & also for the many other people who feel hopeless having no cure for this incidious disease. Recently a workmate was diagnosed which once again strengthened my resolve to do something.
If  you donate to this Gofund me page every $20 you donate gives you a ticket to win our major prize, a BareBoat Chater on the amazing Angelique, a 40' Lagoon Catamaran (http://www.rentayacht.com.au/vessels/catamarans/beneteau-lagoon-400-0)
, donated by Whitsunday Rent a Yacht.
There will also be kick off night with various prizes up for auction at the Burnie Surf Club.

All money raise will be donated to MND Tasmania.

I hope to head off at the begining of January, leaving Burnie, heading west, paddling in an clockwise direction.
I have taken 5 weeks annual leave but will aim to complete it in a month depending on the weather.

I would love to have your support in raising funds and awareness for this cause.
To find out more about this cause and follow my progress around Tasmania please go to

https://www.facebook.com/CMP4MND/

Thank You Craig Machen