Supporters and rowers ahead of this weekend’s Newbridge Charity Rowing Challenge, including Neil Williams, Paul Williams, Kate Giles, Gareth Moseley, Steve Card, Michael Layland, Colin Barnes, Helen Lodder, Simon Clarke and Genine Meek
A group of gym users are hoping to row their way to thousands of pounds to help beat blood cancer.
A collection of 18 charitable gym users, known as The Blistering Rowers, are set to take on the Newbridge Charity Rowing Challenge at Newbridge Leisure Centre this Saturday 26th April to raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.
Those taking part in the indoor challenge will be rowing the equivalent distance of a half marathon distance on Concept 2 rowing machines, while at least five will be going the extra mile and putting in a marathon effort by rowing 26.2 miles each.
Among those taking part is 72-year-old Malcolm Parker, who will be rowing the full marathon distance for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.
For others, like Paul Williams, the charitable row supports a cause close to their heart – Paul’s son Neil has recently been given the all clear from Leukaemia.
It is the second year that the Newbridge Charity Rowing Challenge has been held at Newbridge Leisure Centre, and organiser and rower Helen Lodder has high hopes for the event. She said: “We managed to raise £3,500 last year, and we’re hoping to raise even more this year for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.
“This is really just the start – it’s only the second year, but this rowing challenge has the potential to be rolled out at leisure centres and gyms across the UK and become a national event.”
Kate Giles, who has non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, will be one of those supporting the rowers this Saturday. She said: “This event is particularly poignant because it coincides with Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research’s national Impact Day, and we’re encouraging people to come down on Saturday and show some support for those taking part.”
The Newbridge Charity Rowing Challenge begins at 9am on Saturday 26th April. Supporters will be taking collections on the day and selling wristbands to raise funds. All are welcome to attend.
Those wishing to sponsor The Blistering Rowers can also do so online by visiting their Just Giving team page: http://www.justgiving.com/teams/Blistering-Rowers.
