Help Cliff Gralton get to the World Para Surfing Champs

Hi Friends! Exciting News! My very determined husband, Cliff Gralton, has just taken out the Title in the Prone 2 Class of the Australian Para Surfing Titles at North Haven, earning him a spot on the Australian Irukandjis Para Surfing Team at the World Championships in California in November 2024!

Cliff has had his eye on this Title since getting back in the water a little over a year ago “just to have a crack”, but for us it’s more than just the win. It’s the joy it’s brought back to Cliffs life. There’s a light in his eyes that hasn’t been there since his motorbike accident back in 2006, and a joy in his smile that I thought we’d never see again. But you only have to look at that photo to see it. Pure happiness. How amazing it is for our kids to see their Dad overcome all of the obstacles to become an Australian Champion! We’d love to give Cliff the chance to “have a crack” at a World Title too.

Unfortunately, after crunching the numbers, we’ve found that the trip to California is a very expensive one (what with the conversion rate, flights, accomodation and support staff). Cliff needs two support people in the water with him for the competition, who will also assist him day-to-day navigating the trip. All of the costs add up quickly and not something our bank balance can afford.

Now, for those that know us, you know that we’re horrible at asking for help. We’ve battled through every obstacle on our own since Cliff woke up in that hospital in 2006, and it’s been bloody hard. Every day is exhausting and frustrating and excruciating, but we have pushed through. We have survived 3 months in hospital, 4 months in rehabilitation, transitioning home to find our world forever changed and our future uncertain. We have survived, together, even though every day is a struggle.

But now is the time for us to ask for help. We know times are tough and budgets are tight, but if you can spare a few dollars to help make Cliff’s dream come true we would be forever grateful.