On the 25th and 26th June 2009
members of PCBC are once again going to attempt to row the 125km
between boat house island here in Oxford, and a boathouse in London. Following on from the success of last year's
event, and with several members of that crew now coming back to do it
again, it is hoped that we can once again be successful. The
format of the row is going to be slightly different this year with the plan
being to go in a four as opposed to an eight so that we can rotate the
rowers more regularly and make the trip both faster and a more pleasant experience
for all involved. The response has been fantastic from club members
and it is testament to their dedication that we are going to have to
actively select those members who actually take part in the final
challenge.
The purpose of the row
is two-fold. On the one hand it is an opportunity to do some
fundraising for the club, however chiefly it is run as a charitable
fundraiser as PCBC intends to use sponsorship from this activity to
support the Oxford Adaptive Rowing Club (OARC). They are based at CORC
and conduct sessions every Sunday so that people with both disabilities and
learning difficulties have the opportunity to get involved in rowing.
Between them they have a dedicated team of members, coaches and volunteers who
give up vast amounts of their time to make the club work. At the moment
they are in desperate need of a new rack for one of their boats and we
hope to be able to fund the £1,000 cost from Row to London sponsorship (any
residue will be retained for PCBC funds). Fundraising so far has been
promising with generous donations from many members of PCBC as well as
assorted members of College staff. The row was also recently featured in the Oxford Mail and it
is hoped that this will generate wider interest as well.
Any support would be most appreciated and a real boost to the morale of those
taking part to know that they have the support of members of the club both
past and present. You can donate online at:
www.pembrokecollege.org/netcommunity/rowtolondon
or alternatively post a cheque made out to 'Pembroke College Boat Fund' to:
Row to London,
c/o Pembroke College
Oxford
OX1 1DW
Even the smallest amount would be
vastly appreciated and will help make a significant difference to a truly
worthwhile cause.
In anticipation of your support, and
with sincere thanks,
The Row to London Crew
