Loughborough Rowers put one oar forward to raise money for Living Without Abuse (LWA)
Bring the family along for a great day out as you cheer on 16 daring rowers from Loughborough Boat Club who are attempting to ‘Race the Thames’ – on dry land.
This virtual event is to raise funds for Living Without Abuse (LWA) on Sunday 29 January between 11.30am and 4.30pm at Loughborough Boat Club (LBC) on Rempstone Road in Zouch. The event is open to supporters from the club and LWA, as well as anyone else who wants to cheer the competitors on and find out more about Loughborough Boat Club and LWA.
Two crews of eight masters (age above 27 years) and seniors (age 18 – 27) will come together in two teams on rowing machines to row the full 72km length of the tidal Thames, competing against each other to achieve this mighty feat. LBC is throwing open its clubhouse doors to the public for the event so people can see what rowing is all about and how it can make you feel good, while at the same time raising money for charity. There will be a tombola, cakes, bar and food – burgers, hot dogs, chips and chilli with vegan options available.
The teams are named It Was The Best of Thames and It Was The Worst of Thames – a punning nod to Charles Dickens’ classic novel A Tale of Two Cities.
The ‘Worst’ team is made up of Eleanor Dyson, Hannah Preston, Victoria Linsley, Jess Crichard, Ben Norman, Victoria Haines, Natalie LaValley and Nadine Storey, while the ‘Best’ team consists of Emily Quinton, Paul Corrigan, Phil Gunning, Allen Storey, Jonathan Cox, Jen Smith, Ellie Lilliott and Liv Young onboard.
By coming along to the event you can see what it is like to race whilst supporting LWA, who will have representatives there to explain more about the charity. The event helps those going through abuse now or in the past. Domestic abuse is a crime that can affect anyone – with 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men and 1 in 5 children experiencing abuse in their lifetime.
Emily Corrigan, Head of Fundraising for LWA, who is a member of the LBC masters squad, said: “Living Without Abuse is delighted that LBC has decided to donate funds to LWA. Rowing is a feel-good sport and we want to show people the benefits that this sport brings to so many young women. It would be great to see you here at this event.”
Eleanor Dyson, who has organised the event, added: “I love rowing, I am 21 and have been involved for ten years. I started because my mum wanted me to join and soon as I junior I was racing every day. Rowing gives me an immense confidence and releases endorphins and helps me to feel part of a team. We are really pleased that the masters have stepped up to help us achieve or goal and that we are raising money for such a great cause. Our senior squad has grown over the year, and we are looking for new members – if you would like to get involved then come down to the club and find out more about it.”
The virtual event is being organised by LBC and London Youth Rowing (LYR) and funds raised will be evenly distributed between LWA, LYR and LBC.
There are many different types of domestic abuse, including: physical, emotional, mental, verbal, sexual, financial, female genital mutilation, honour-based violence, forced marriage, stalking and harassment.
Living Without Abuse is there to support anyone who is currently going through abuse or has been through it in the past. They have 1-2-1 and group support, child and young people services, practical support (legal, finance, housing etc), they can photograph and store images of physical violence to be used in Court at a later date, and so much more – most importantly they are there to be a kind, understanding and knowledgeable friend to those in desperate need. Find out more here: https://lwa.org.uk
Events like these can help build confidence in people who have lived through abuse. Come along and see for yourself.
Sponsor the crews at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lbc-race-the-thames?utm_term=DqdMR3x3g
If you need support, you can contact LWA by calling 08 08 80 200 28. Monday – Saturday, 8am – 8pm.
