Robert hopes to put troubles behind him with charity excursion

Robert hopes to put troubles behind him with charity excursion

31 October 2012

A SEAFORDE man, who lost an arm in a hit and run accident, is driving to Romania on a one-man humanitarian mission.

Robert Maxwell, a former soldier, is collecting clothes and toys for the orphans and street children he was witness to during travels abroad.

The journey in December of over 2000 miles through Holland, Germany and the Czech Republic will be in a Land Rover and trailer, and will not be easy for Robert who has a prosthetic arm.

But the keen motorcyclist is not afraid of a challenge, having previously swum to Cranfield Lighthouse and back again in aid of BLESMA — the British Limbless Ex Service Men’s Association

As a member of BLESMA Robert has worked in America, with servicemen who have lost a limb, as an adaptive snowboard instructor.

Explaining that he was inspired in his charity work by motorcycling champion Joey Dunlop, who before his death received an OBE for his work in Romanian orphanages, Robert said: “Joey Dunlop never made a fuss and was a very humble man who just wanted to help.

“When I lost my arm in a hit and run road traffic accident in 2004 it destroyed my career. I have struggled to find a path ever since.

“It is a bit like suddenly running into a concrete wall. Everything takes on a different perspective.”

Frank about the fact his own life has “bottomed out” over the past year, Robert says suffering from depression and the break down of his marriage have been difficult to deal with, but hopes that helping others less fortunate than myself will help to put life back in perspective.

“I have seen at first hand how here in the UK no-one really struggles, is not really very poor,” he said. “In Romania the gulf between the rich and the poor is unbelievable. Many cannot afford medical care.

“I have seen small children wandering about the streets at 3am and you just wonder what it is all for, what life is all about.”

Robert wants to primarily collect clothes for children of all ages, including items such as coats and gloves. With the backing of Carryduff Baptist Church, he has three locations in Romania mind and also hopes to link up with orphanages helped by Pat Gibney and the Loughinisland Romanian Orphanages Group.

“It will be a bit of a challenge, especially if there is snow,” he said. “The roads will be quite difficult. But Land Rovers are real work horses.”

Stena is sponsoring his ferry travel and he is due to set off on either December 16 or 17, and, depending on his progress, he could end up spending Christmas in Romania.

“I’m a dad myself so I hope my children will be proud of what I am doing,” said Robert. “I also need to refocus myself. I have been struggling with depression and all sorts of things. So I hope this will help me put all that behind me and make New Year a new start.”

Should any business wish to help with the diesel costs of the trip, their name will be placed on the side of the Land Rover.

Donations can be made to Brennan’s in either Seaforde or Dundrum. Potential sponsors can also make contact with Robert through Brennan’s.