Row to Rio challenge gets into the Olympic spirit

Club President Keith Lawton with members of Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club

Rowing to Rio in time for the Olympic closing ceremony. That was the target set by members of Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club with the decision to embark on a journey of over 9,300 kilometres.

With one week to go they had reached the 7,000 km mark and thanks to a final push on the last day, the team of over 50 club members, ranging from 12 to 70 years old, reached the finishing line in true Gold medal winning style. The event raised money for Springhill and Dr Kershaw's hospices and the Club itself for much needed equipment.

Dedicated club members combined practice and competition on the water, with hours on indoor rowing machines, used by the club for fitness training, in order to cover the distance from Hollingworth Lake to the Olympic Rowing venue in Rio de Janeiro.

The final push to the finish line took place at a Club open day event on the day of the closing ceremony when all were invited to play their part and find out more about the rowing opportunities in the borough of Rochdale for those inspired by the success of Team GB in the rowing - and by all the many other fantastic medal winners.

Event organiser at the Club, Andrew Lowe 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.”

Barbara Lloyd, Community Support Fundraiser at Springhill Hospice said: “This is the equivalent of rowing over 5,800 miles. It’s an awe inspiring challenge and it shows just how fit our rowers are! We are very grateful to everyone who has been involved in raising money for the hospice.”