Life hasn't always been plain sailing for Pete Montgomery, he is an Adelaide yachtsman, and he received a lifesaving liver transplant 5 years ago.

Pete is now determined to make the most of his life by undertaking a circumnavigation of Australia in his 28ft Herreshoff yacht, aptly named Aotea, in honour of his Kiwi birthplace.

This ambitious trip, titled SecondWind26, is primarily to promote awareness of organ and tissue donation along the way and to illustrate what can be achieved after having a lifesaving transplant, even for a 72-year-old!

With Donate Life emblazoned on the mainsail and Transplant Australia and Diabetes Australia on the hull it is clear that Pete wants everyone discussing the importance of organ donation and registering as a donor - as well as talking this over with your loved ones.

Organ donation is needed not just by adults, but also by children. In 2024 80 children received a lifesaving organ donation. Pete wants to raise funds for the Paediatric Transplant Australia program as well as to help educate people on the importance of organ donation whether it is heart, lungs, liver, kidney, pancreas or even intestines which may save another person's life.

Pete received his liver transplant at Christmas 2019 after suffering from a genetic condition. He went through chemotherapy twice for liver cancer. On Christmas Night 2019 Flinders Medical Centre rang to say they had a Christmas present for Pete; he was very unwell and did not think he could recover. But he was extremely fortunate to receive this opportunity, and he is thankful every day to the person who lost their life so he could live again.

Sailing has been in his blood, and with the support of Marilyn his partner, he plans to depart Adelaide in March 2026 for a 10–12 month solo journey around Australia in Aotea. This is 14,000 km or 7,500 nautical miles.

Pete needs to get over the top of Australia and past Broome by November when the traditional cyclone season up the top end starts.

Pete's yacht has been equipped by Pete with all manner of safety equipment to ensure safe passage. So far this has cost him in excess of $35,000 out of his own pocket. And he still requires a bit more. So, on his behalf I am asking for your support to ensure all equipment is up to date and compliant.

CEO of Transplant Australia, Chris Thomas says "Pete's beaten the odds, all because of the generosity of another family. In 2024 Australia's family consent rate was just 53 per cent. One in two families decline the opportunity to donate their loved one's organs. We hope stories like Pete's, demonstrate to all of Australia the value of the gift of life. Saying YES to donation can make the world of difference"

I am setting up this GoFundMe page to help Pete achieve his goal safely. He insists he does not wish for any financial benefit and any excess money will automatically be transferred to Paediatric Transplant Australia program.

Pete needs your help to raise $30,000 for more equipment and costs he will have along the trip. This includes a new life raft, star link satellite connection, fuel costs, berthing costs, support team visits and yacht maintenance along the way. But most importantly it is to also raise funds for resources for families to support organ donations for children.

Pete would like you all to follow him on his journey, but more than that he wants you all to review your choice on organ donation and discuss it with your family, so everyone knows your wishes.

You can follow this journey on

Facebook "SecondWind"

or on the

Transplant Australia Facebook page.

Please make your donation today to help Pete increase awareness of Organ donation right around Australia. Any donation however large or small will help increase the importance of organ donation.