LAST month Mt Warning Dragon Boat Club farewelled the club's inspirational first coach and international sweep, Russ Wade, from Carool, who passed away after a two-year battle with cancer.

Russ was always up for a challenge and, true to his strong, determined character, remained involved with the dragon boating community right to the end.

As recently as last November he amazed onlookers as he swept races at the Kids in Need fundraising regatta at Tweed Heads, despite his deteriorating health.

Russ was born and grew up in Harbord but fell in love with the Tweed when he came up with mates as a teen to surf.

He bought land at Carool in the late 70s and designed and built his house there in 1983.

Russ's history with the Mt Warning Club goes back to its formation in 2007.

After returning to Murwillumbah from the United Kingdom where he worked for six months annually as a professional coach and sweep, he had a chance meeting with Christine Lonie.

Christine had a vision and passion to create a Murwillumbah district club for breast cancer survivors and other interested people.

Her vision soon became Russ's as well and he offered his services to coach and sweep for the fledgling club.

The team started training on the beautiful Tweed River at Condong in leased second-hand boats. Within just six weeks, his enthusiasm helped create a formidable unit which then competed and was victorious at the 2007 Kids in Need regatta.

There was no doubt that Russ was the catalyst that enabled the club to take flight and Russ was recognised as a life member of Mt Warning Club.

From these humble beginnings, Russ proudly witnessed the Mt Warning Club grow both as a Dragons Abreast and as a competitive sporting club.

As friendships grew and a strong team spirit developed, the club motto From Strength to Strength was being lived out.

On a competitive level, the club has already enjoyed great success and has medalled at state, national and international events.

Only last year, mixed men and women's crews competed at the World Club Crew Championships in Italy and returned with gold, silver and bronze and presented an emotional Russ with a competition shirt.

Another proud moment for Russ and the club last year was the Dragon's Abreast team travelling to the USA to compete in the International Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Festival.

Although the emphasis was not on winning, the team placed a highly creditable 11th out of 110 teams.

Russ's dream was to see the club achieve success and "keep on going".

While this has certainly occurred, ongoing fundraising is necessary as the club has not been able to attain major sponsorship.

The next major fundraising event for the club is a bush dance at the Condong Bowling Club on Saturday, August 29 from 6pm.

Tickets will be available from the Bowling Club or by ringing 0412 027 962.