‘Oarsome’ Rowers Smash Fundraising Target

In true King’s community style, our Boat Club rowers ended the Autumn Term by taking on their annual challenge of rowing one million metres to raise funds for their chosen charity.  

In this well-loved, if gruelling charity event, members of the Boat Club worked together to cover the distance, with the Fifth and Sixth Form sculling throughout the otherwise silent night. Their ambition to achieve this target was remarkable, raising funds this year for Mental Health UK.

In the wee small hours, their resilience was certainly put to the test, but the camaraderie and team spirit of the Boat Club shone through, and the target was smashed; so far, they have raised over £4,000 for their efforts.

Captains and Vice-Captains of Boats, Anna, James, Rosie and Charlie collectively sculled throughout the night and, despite their understandable fatigue, explained enthusiastically after the event, “The resilience at 2.30am was incredible; whilst some Boat Club members were catching up on sleep, others were quietly rowing to achieve the end target. Everyone was willing just to get on the ergos and do what was needed. The atmosphere and teamwork were ‘oarsome’. It was a great way end to the term.”

Head of Rowing, Jim Chalmers added, “Like every year, this was a true challenge, even more so with many pupils unable to take part due to international trips and the inevitable winter illnesses. Despite this the pupils rallied together, providing continual motivation and encouragement throughout the gruelling 17 hours.

“The Boat Club and this challenge are not just about current pupils. In true King’s Boat Club family tradition, we welcomed a raft of OVs and were grateful, as ever, for their support with the challenge. I’m incredibly proud of all those who took part.

“This fundraising event really demonstrates the Boat Club community’s ethos of humility and kindness towards others and is a challenge to which pupils look forward every year. This year it was wonderful to welcome parents back in the closing hours and the atmosphere when the captains crossed the 1-million-metre mark was inspirational.”

The Boat Club One Million Metre Challenge is now in its eighth year and to date has raised over £38,800 for local and national charities chosen by our pupils. The event not only raises essential funds for charities but also provides pupils with life-enhancing skills in both resilience and teamwork.

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far; if you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kswbc-charity-row