Fundraising Rowing Challenge

Odgers Berndtson’s chosen charity partner this year is Leonard Cheshire, a charity that works directly with people with disabilities to reduce the barriers they face to living, learning and working independently. At the end of last week we were made aware of their acute shortage of PPE for their carers as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Not only do they have a shortage of kit but they also have a shortage of cash in order to buy more as a direct result of the lockdown.

I've decided to do my bit to try to help, raising some funds via a very difficult physical challenge. Starting today, I intend to row the equivalent distance of travelling from my home in Cardiff to our London head office on a rowing machine in my garage. It’s a total distance of 150 miles or 242km so over the next five days I am attempting to row an average of 50km a day, finishing off the challenge on Friday.

Here are my daily updates:

Day 1

The plan was to row 20km before work, 10km during lunchtime and 20km after work. I managed this but the last 10km were pretty tough. My back is aching and extremely stiff, I think I underestimated the challenge and over estimated my abilities!! Can't say I'm looking forward to Day 2.

50km at the end of Day 1 puts me just over the Severn Bridge, fingers crossed I can keep on track for Day 2.

Day 2

Much harder start to the day today, extremely stiff back but managed to get in 20km before breakfast. The lunchtime 10km was tough but not as bad as the final 20km which I performed out on the lawn. Hands are now very sore and about to blister so I'm not looking forward to the rest of the challenge. However, my spirits were lifted today as I passed the 100km mark and hit my revised target of ￡3000. I have been amazed by the generosity of people despite people suffering pay cuts and threats to their jobs. I cannot thank you all enough, it makes the pain worthwhile.

Day 3

The toughest day so far. First 20km was OK but after that the blister burst and it became a painful day.Funnily enough though, my fitness must be improving as I didn't find it as taxing from a cardiovascular point of view, I've also lost 6lbs in weight so far so there are some positives aside from the funds raised. Talking of which the total at time of writing is ￡3700 which far exceeds my expectations at the start and I can only thank everyone who has donated withmy extreme gratitude. I also passed the halfway point today which was pleasing and I have now completed 150km which puts me somewhere near Newbury.

Day 4

Last but one day nd light at the end of the tunnel. I wanted to get ahead of the game today as I didn't want to leave myself with too much to do as I have planned to finish at 2pm witnessed by my interim colleagues on Zoom. The pressure was therefore on however, as I had a busy work day and in the end I only managed 5km extra rowing until 9pm to complete 55km in the day and 205km in total. This now puts me somewhere near Windsor, just a shame I missed the Queen's birthday by a day. I am confident I can crack out the final 37km tomorrow to finish on time. Really looking forward to hitting the finish lien tomorrow and putting all the weight I have lost back on in beer. Tonight I have also broken the ￡4000 barrier, ￡4830 including gift aid so it is all worth it.