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“Visiting the hospice and having an idea how the money will be spent will definitely spur us on” – oar-some Zoe and her family are taking on a 100-mile rowing challenge for EACH

A row-bust family of fundraisers are embarking on an oar-inspiring charity challenge.

The 100-mile crew-sade is the brainchild of Zoe Winchester, who is organising the event as part of her studies at Hills Road Sixth Form College, in Cambridge.

Together with parents Mark and Emma, brother Harry, 21, and sister Beth, 19, the family will be using a rowing machine to complete the distance non-stop and expect it to take around 16 hours.

They will be taking it in turns to row and are raising funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

“I’m doing this as part of my Sixth Form Extended Project Qualification (EPQ),” said Zoe, 16.

“I had the choice of either writing a dissertation, using software to develop an artifact or organising an event. I liked the last one and my first thought was some kind of running challenge.

“However, it made sense to use the rowing machine we have here at home and it’s lovely – and fun – to be doing it together as a family. Between the five of us, we’ll be rowing for three or four hours each.

“I’m excited and looking forward to it, although I’m sure a few nerves will kick in nearer the time because it’s going to be a massive challenge.”

To gain the qualification, worth half an A Level, Zoe has to film parts of the rowathon and write a 1,000-word essay.

The family, who live in Swaffham Bulbeck, between Cambridge and Newmarket, plan to get underway at 6am on Saturday, 15th April. They hope to raise as much as possible for EACH.

“Dad’s company have been involved in fundraising before so it was the obvious choice of charity to support,” added Zoe.

“We were also lucky enough to be shown around Milton. We were shown all the different areas of the hospice, including the sensory room and hydro pool.

“It brought it home to me and having an idea of how the money will be spent will definitely spur us on.”

Mark is a regional director for Cambridge-based Rathbone Investment Management. His business has previously supported EACH. He previously took on another rowing challenge and has completed the Cambridge Half-Marathon twice.

Mark said: “I bought our rowing machine during the pandemic and it’s sat upstairs gathering dust ever since. It’ll be nice to put it to good use!

“In all seriousness, it’s such an incredible cause and we’re all pleased and proud to be involved, supporting EACH but also Zoe. None of us are rowers so it’s going to be hard work, physically and mentally.

“However, if and when we’re tired and struggling, we’ll just think about our hospice visit. That’ll remind us why we’re taking on the challenge.”

The Winchester family were shown around Milton by EACH Corporate Fundraiser Hannah Forbester.

To sponsor them, head here.

Notes to Editors

“EACH has made us all feel part of an extended family and, thanks to staff and fellow families, we’re not alone with problems. We always leave The Treehouse feeling positive, stronger and thankful.”

  • We care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, and support their families.
  • We offer families flexibility and control over where they receive their care and support, including where their child dies – at home, in hospital or at one of three hospices at Milton (Cambridge), The Nook (Norfolk) and The Treehouse (Ipswich).
  • Our family-centred approach includes specialist nursing care, symptom management support, short breaks, wellbeing activities, therapies and counselling, all meeting the individual needs of the child, young person and whole family.
  • We are recognised as leaders in our field, with a reputation for excellence and commitment to pioneering development and innovation.
  • We rely on voluntary donations for the majority of our income and this year need to raise £5.8 million from fundraising and £6.5 million in income from our shops. The year before the pandemic we received just 16% of our total income from statutory sources.
  • EACH Royal Patron –Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.
  • For more information about EACH, including forthcoming events and how you can help raise funds,visit each.org.uk or call our Suffolk fundraisers on 01473 917965.

Keep in touch:

www.each.org.uk
www.twitter.com/EACH_hospice
www.facebook.com/EACHhospices
www.instagram.com/eachhospices
www.linkedin.com/company/eachhospices


For further information about this release please contact:

Matt Plummer | Media and PR Manager | 07738 328058 | Matt.Plummer@each.org.uk

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