Teams compete in MS rowing fundraiser

A total of 16 teams of six people competed on rowing machines at what is now one of the charity’s biggest local fundraisers. Entrants completed five 1km stints to give a total team distance of 30km.

The Guernsey Rowing Club were first across the line in 1hr 42mins 45.4secs. In 2015 they set a record with 1hr 39mins.

‘It’s good competition and I quite like sprint events,’ said team member Tom de Kooker.

‘It’s quite lactic, not comfortable, and once you’ve finished a leg it hurts but you do recover quickly.’

My Fitness had four teams taking part and its men’s outfit were second, with 1hr 44mins 56secs.

My Fitness captain Ali Martin said people loved taking part so much that some of them had bought a boat and were now rowing at sea.

Ms Martin and another My Fitness rower, Tracey de Carteret, had been diagnosed with MS which made the event even more poignant for them.

‘We hope to raise between £1,500 and £1,800 and we’re grateful to Ravenscroft who have provided sponsorship for us,’ she said.

Simon Johns chose to row the 30km on his own and his time of 1hr 54mins and 54secs would have given him eighth place in the team event.

‘I was aiming for 1hr 56mins and to beat it at this time of the year in pre-season training was pleasing,’ he said.

Mr Johns said he hoped that together with the Praxis team that rowed alongside him, they would make £1,000.

Chris Tostevin-Hall was aiming to row 100km which he thought would take him about six hours.

Organiser Mark Windsor said the event always had a good atmosphere. Rowers got good support from others and there was a mixed range of abilities.

‘It’s about achievement and is a test but the most important thing is raising money for the MS Guernsey branch,’ he said.

Last year’s event raised almost £6,000.

MS Society Guernsey branch finance volunteer Heather Lucas said it currently cost about £25,000 to provide the various therapies, including physio, and personal care for those they supported. The charity was grateful to the help from a private trust which had contributed towards the total. Some 200 people living in Guernsey are thought to have MS.

‘The development of new drugs have enabled some sufferers to be able to stay at work longer,’ said Ms Lucas. ‘At the moment we’re looking for ways in which we can support that further.’