Good Samaritan Drives 1,250 Miles To Rescue Stranded Family
Life is full of joys and disappointments, and handling each of those situations with grace and poise is what builds good character. Even the most resolute person can still experience disappointment, though, and the younger you are the more difficult it can be to deal with that disappointment.
The Melrose family is from Gippsland, Australia. The two Melrose daughters, aged 8 and 10, had spent the entire previous year honing their skills as they prepared for the national minnow sailing championships.
As they crossed Australia from Gippsland to Darwin with their two small boats towed behind them, they experienced a major setback: their car broke down.
After covering over 1,800 miles, they were stranded in Tennant Creek — nearly 600 miles short of their goal. Without a miracle, it looked like their countless hours of training and high hopes were set to be dashed.
Hearing of their plight, ABC Darwin decided to send out a call for help on social media, to see if any caring soul would be willing to reverse the situation for the family.
“Daryn Melrose and his family are stuck in Tennant Creek after their car broke down — and they need your help to get to Darwin!” they posted. “Their two daughters aged 8 and 10 need to get here in time for the National Sailing Championships this Sunday.
“Are you headed to Darwin through Tennant Creek today or tomorrow? Or know someone who is? They need someone who can tow their small trailer and offer a lift into town.
“If you can help let us know and we’ll put you in contact with the Melroses!”
Rodney Sims in Darwin spotted the post and generously volunteered his services. He was prepared to make the trek out and back, totaling nearly 1,250 miles, just to rescue a family he didn’t even know — but there was a reason behind his seemingly spontaneous kindness.
“About 30 years ago, strangely enough, I was in a similar situation with a broken-down car and someone helped me out,” he told ABC Darwin. “This was my time to give back.”
With just three days to go until the competition, time was running short. So out he went, until he met up with the Melroses, picked them up and connected their trailer to his vehicle.
“He drove all the way down to us, hooked up the trailer, and drove us all the way back to Darwin,” said Daryn.
“My daughters and I could not be more grateful for his efforts. They got here on time and are hoping for podium finishes after their competitions. Territory folk are incredibly special.”
Leaving their car to “hopefully” be repaired in Darwin, the Melrose family focused at the task on hand: racing. What about after the race?
“Here’s hoping we fix the car and actually make it home,” Daryn said.
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