One Create Magazine News: Hands Across The Water Charity Founder – Peter Baines OAM
Australian Charity Founder to Run 1,400km Across Thailand in Tsunami Memorial In a remarkable display of endurance and remembrance, an Australian man is set to embark on a gruelling 1,400-kilometre run across Thailand, marking the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.
Peter Baines OAM, founder of the Australian charity Hands Across the Water, will begin his journey on 1 December 2024 from the northeastern town of Yasothon. Over the next 26 days,
Baines plans to cover an average of 60 kilometres daily, traversing Thailand’s diverse landscapes and challenging climate.
The run, aptly named “Run to Remember,” will conclude on 26 December at the tsunami memorial in Takua Pa, southern Thailand. This carefully chosen route and timing are deeply significant, coinciding exactly with the 20th anniversary of the catastrophic event that claimed over 300,000 lives in the 2004 Asian Tsunami.
Baines, a former New South Wales forensic police officer who worked in the aftermath of the tsunami, has since dedicated his life to supporting affected communities in Thailand. His charity, Hands Across the Water, has been instrumental in providing long-term support to orphaned and disadvantaged children in the country.
“This run is about more than just physical endurance,” Baines told our correspondent. “Every step is a tribute to those we lost and a beacon of hope for the future we’re building. It’s about showingthat even 20 years on, we haven’t forgotten, and we’re still here, still helping.”
The logistics of such an undertaking are formidable. Baines will face not only the physical challenge of running what amounts to a marathon every day for nearly a month but also Thailand’s notoriously hot and humid climate. His route will take him through bustling cities, rural villages, and everything in between, offering a unique cross-section of Thai geography and.
Local Thai officials have expressed their support for the initiative. While specific statements are not available, it’s expected that Chamroen Thipphayaphongthada, the governor of Phang Nga province where the run will conclude, may play a role in welcoming Baines at the finish line.
The run has already garnered international attention, with donors and supporters from around the world pledging their support. Corporate sponsors, including several Australian and Thai companies, have come on board to help fund the logistics of the run and support Hands Across the Water’s ongoing projects.
But for Baines, the focus remains firmly on the children and communities the charity supports. “This run is about them, not me,” he emphasised. “It’s about continuing the work we started 20 years ago and ensuring that these communities have the support they need to thrive.”
In a poignant addition to the event, Baines will return to Thailand a few weeks after the run to lead a 20th Anniversary bike ride. This 800-kilometre journey from Bangkok to Khao Lak will see him accompanied by 50 fellow riders and supporters of Hands Across the Water, further amplifying the commemorative effort and raising additional awareness and funds for the charity’s work.
As Thailand prepares for this remarkable feat of endurance and remembrance, the world watches.
Baines’ run serves as a powerful reminder of the tsunami’s lasting impact and the enduring human spirit that continues to rebuild and remember. For many, this run represents more than just an athletic achievement. It’s a moving tribute to those lost, a testament to the resilience of survivors, and a beacon of hope for the future. As Baines laces up his running shoes, he carries with him the memories of thousands and the hopes of many more.
The impact of Hands Across the Water over the past two decades has been significant. The charity has built and continues to support several children’s homes in Thailand, providing education, healthcare, and a bright future for so many children who might otherwise have been left behind.
As the 20th anniversary of the tsunami approaches, Baines’ run also serves as a moment for reflection on the progress made and the challenges that remain. While much has been rebuilt, the emotional scars of the disaster run deep, and the need for support in affected communities continues alongside further outreach and development programs bringing a certain and bright
future.
Baines’ extraordinary effort shines a light on the ongoing work of disaster recovery and the importance of long-term commitment to affected communities. It’s a powerful reminder that the aftermath of such events extends far beyond the immediate crisis, and that sustained support can make a real difference in people’s lives.
As Baines prepares for his journey, his run stands as a testament to the power of the human spirit, the importance of remembrance, and the enduring bonds forged between nations in the face of tragedy. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and the profound impact that one person’s dedication can have on the lives of many.
The {One Create Magazine} will provide regular updates on Peter Baines’ progress throughout his 26-day journey across Thailand, bringing you stories from the communities he visits and the people whose lives have been touched by the work of Hands Across the Water.
