The Isle of Ely Rowing Club organised an indoor rowing marathon to raise funds for hospital staff on the front line of the coronavirus response.
Thirty-two members who had access to their own indoor rowing equipment rowed as far as they could over the Easter weekend - some aimed for the distance of a marathon.
And they were able to tackle the challenge using whichever approach they preferred. Some families opted to do a relay, others preferred to take on the distance in stages throughout the weekend, and a few even completed the distance in one session.
In total, 558 miles were covered and at the end of the weekend £4,630 was raised for the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. The club is keeping their JustGiving page open until the end of the month for any late donations.
Richard Maxey, Chairman of Isle of Ely Rowing Club, said “For us it has been an opportunity to achieve something together even though we are physically separated.
“Many of us achieved so much more than we thought possible and it has been a great morale boost for the club.”
He added: “But much more importantly than that, we have been able through the generosity of the sponsors to support the invaluable life-saving work of the NHS.”
The Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust has launched a fundraising appeal for its staff during the coronavirus pandemic. Donations support the wellbeing of its NHS workers on the front line and provides vital equipment needed to support the Intensive Care Unit.
The appeal has already funded iPads which help families speak to critically ill relatives in intensive care, the development of a brand new diagnostic test for COVID-19 and activity packs for children in hospital.
A range of fundraising ideas are listed on its website.
The Isle of Ely Rowing Club is a community rowing club that caters for a range of ages and abilities.
When the government restrictions are lifted, the club will resume normal activities including its ‘Learn to Row’ courses.
Details can be found at www.elyrowingclub.org.uk.
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