The 25 teams of six, plus one man braving the challenge alone, rowed 30,000m in 1km stints at the Aztech Centre for the annual Rowathon event.
‘That’s probably the most that we’ve had in the last few years,’ said Nicky Will, vice-captain of the Guernsey Rowing Club.
‘I think we raised over £10,000 last year, and we’re over £8,000 already today and still taking money all the time, which is fantastic.
‘The Rowing Club has had a long-standing connection with Multiple Sclerosis Guernsey. We’ve done loads of different challenges for them over the last 30 years, including rowing from London to Paris, and one to Amsterdam. It’s a charity that is very close to our hearts.’
As it is for Stephen Ozanne, whose mum died after suffering with MS for 30 years.
‘Rowing the full 30km solo and non-stop felt like the right challenge,’ he said.
‘Family, friends and my colleagues at Liberum have donated generously to raise funds for such an important cause. The support on the day from everyone taking part was also fantastic.
'My mum died in 2011. Thankfully, treatments for MS have come a long way since then, but there’s still no cure.’
Mr Ozanne completed the distance on sliders – a slower alternative to a rowing machine, which better resembles rowing on water.
The Rowathon was part preparation for his future charity challenges, as he hopes to do a longer row on water, in aid of local causes, soon.
Beyond Mr Ozanne’s corner, in the rest of the arena members of the Rowing Club, gym teams, local businesses, school teachers, fire crew and the Lt-Governor, packed the room, cheering each other on in competitive spirit and colourful lycra.
‘We’ve got three teams,’ said St Sampson’s school maths teacher Paul Pearce.
‘A mix of teaching staff, lab technicians and the premises team. I’ve run this event before, but never competed in it. The club is trying encourage as many people as we can to get in the water and try rowing. But in the off-season, this event is a great way to raise funds for the community and generate interest in the sport.
‘It’s important to the school that we get as involved with the community as possible, and we’ve got people on the staff connected with MS. I believe this is the most teams that have ever entered, it’s amazing.’
Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition which affects about 150 people in the Bailiwick. It can cause numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
‘I know a few people with MS,’ said firefighter Ollie Patch.
‘It’s good to support this cause, and it’s a fun event – we do like a bit of competition.’
MS Guernsey helps local people with MS, and provides support for carers.
Money raised will go towards care and equipment for local MS patients, as well as national research.
‘This event seems to be getting more awareness out there, it’s really cool,’ said John Fitzpatrick, who joined the MS Society after being diagnosed with the condition three years ago.
‘All the therapy we receive from the charity keeps people well for longer.
'Things like massage, physio, personal trainers – all the things you wouldn’t think of as traditional medication – is the stuff that really works for people with MS. I’m a qualified boxing coach and my children are both really sporty, too.
‘To keep mobile is everything. The island spirit is incredible. This is a Sunday morning, and yet the amount of people who’ve turned up to support something so quickly and so wholeheartedly – we feel really blessed, really lucky.’