Indoor rowing record set at Aldershot garrison fundraiser
6 November 2015
A mixture of civilian and military rowers from all services came together on Saturday 17th October to set a new world record for the fastest 100 kilometre relay on indoor rowing machines at the 4 Rifles Gymnasium in Aldershot raising money for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans in the process.
The event, dubbed the Charles Morley Memorial XV in honour of veteran Charles Morley who died aged 84 just before the event was due to take place, was organised by indoor rowing club Sub 7, WO1 (SMI) Stuart Jackson RAPTC, SSgt (SSI) Scott Pollock RAPTC and WO2 Ian Wilde REME.
The 100km relay was completed in 4 hours, 49 minutes and 48 seconds, beating the existing record by almost half an hour. As well as the 100km record, there were also 6km and 60 second challenges featuring experience and novice rowers.
In attendance were teams from Sub 7, Q Power, MAD Team, Team Oarsome and Tribesports as well as teams from the British Army and Royal Navy with a mixture of serving and ex-serving. The teams were joined by Graham Benton, 3-time World and 7-time British indoor rowing champion.
The total amount raised from the event is an excellent £2,143 with money still coming in.
Hana Goodman, Community Fundraiser at Blesma, said: “The effort that everyone has put into organising this event was reflected in its’ huge success, including the breaking of records. The funds raised here in Aldershot will go towards helping fellow servicemen and women to lead independent and fulfilling lives. A big thank you to everyone involved!”
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor
Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:
WO1 Stuart Jackson on the rowing machine: https://blesma.org/media/436663/294a.jpg
Fundraising rowers: https://blesma.org/media/436664/360a.jpg
About Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless serving and ex-service men and women, their widows and dependants. It is a membership organisation which helps wounded service men and women rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support. Their membership includes those who have lost the use of a limb, an eye or the sight of an eye.
Blesma was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932. Blesma today has over 4000 Members and widows. The membership consists of men and women who have served during the Second World War and the many subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping operations since, including the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Follow us on Twitter @Blesma
For further information on Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, contact
Bryony Stevens, Media and Communications Assistant
T: 020 8590 1124
Back to News