This is fantastic news from Jessica at the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Ed
On the 22nd June The Wight Crew, a team of seven Island based women, will depart from Dover and row the 22 miles across the English Channel to France, in a 34 foot fixed seat Waterman Cutter rowing boat, based on the design of traditional boats used to ferry passengers on the Thames.
The team have been training out of Newport Rowing Club since November in what has been one of the coldest UK winters for many year, their aim is to raise £24,000 for their chosen charities Ahoy and The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
Gala diner raised £17,000
A gala dinner was held at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes on Saturday 2nd March to help raise funds for the challenge. Special guests on the night included Bestival founder and Radio One DJ Rob da Bank and double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson.
The evening raised an incredible £17,000, well over the team’s expectations for the evening, and supported by a number of Island based companies.
Grindley: “Overwhelmed by the support”
“We have been overwhelmed by the support of Island companies and individuals in helping the team. The money raised at the Gala Dinner has really given us all a morale boost and will keep us training hard over the coming months.” said Jo Grindley, Wight Crew member and owner of Island based sports sponsorship and communications agency, Into the Blue.
Newport Rowing Club has lent the team a boat to train in, provided coaches and use of their facilities, the team also spent a day rowing along the Thames in the snow recently as part of their training.
Follow and donate
Follow the team’s progress on www.facebook.com/ChannelRow2013
You can donate via www.justgiving.com/channelrow2013
