Club rows to Rio in aid of hospices

CLUB president Keith Lawton with members of Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club

THE spirit of the Olympics was channelled by members of a rowing club as they challenged themselves to row the distance from Rochdale to Rio de Janeiro in aid of two hospices.

Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club combined practice and competitions on the water with hours of indoor training on rowing machines for the 5,700-mile challenge, the distance from Hollingworth Lake to the Olympic Rowing venue.

The team of more than 50 club members, who range in age from 12 to 70, reached the finish line in gold medal-winning style on the day of the Olympic closing ceremony as part of a club open day event, with members of the public inspired by the success of Team GB invited to find out more about the club and rowing.

The money raised from the challenge will go to Dr Kershaw's Hospice in Royton and Springhill Hospice in Rochdale as well as helping the club purchase much-needed equipment.

Andrew Lowe, event organiser at the club, said: "Both of the hospices have touched the lives of many of our members, who have gone flat out to raise as much money as possible to support the excellent work they do.

"And as with most sports clubs, we rely heavily on our volunteers and club users to make sure our facilities and equipment are in a good and safe condition.

"We will make an announcement about the money raised as soon as possible when it has all been collected."

Arron Cheshire, community fundraiser at Dr Kershaw's Hospice, told the Chronicle: "This is a truly inspiring feat of strength and endurance, and we're extremely grateful to the club for hosting this challenge to raise much needed funds for all three fantastic causes."