Oarsome results from charity gig rowing event

13 July 2022 chsw Fundraising

One of the teams standing by their gig before the rowing competition

Novice gig rowers took to the seas on Sunday 10 July in a charity gig rowing competition raising funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

16 crews took part in the event at Newquay Harbour which is estimated to have raised around £2000 for the local children’s charity which runs Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell.

The novice crews, some of which had never set foot in a gig before, were joined in the gigs by members of Newquay Rowing Club and competed against each other in the charity competition.

Local businesses, organisations as well as groups of friends entered teams, with representatives from: Celtic & Co, Swimminwimmin, Ward Williams Associates, Visit Newquay, Trevilley Farm Shop/Real Food Box, Penmellyn Vets, Newquay Towan Blystra Lions, Pauline's Creamery, Acorn Blue and The Wedge – Tolcarne.

Excitement in the gigs at the rowing competition

There were 3 heats and the 1st and 2nd from each heat then took part in the final which was won by The Wedgies (The Wedge, Tolcarne Beach), with second position going to Ward William Associates and third position taken by the team from Pauline’s Creamery.

Alice Merrett, Area Fundraiser for CHSW said; “This annual event is a great way of people giving gig rowing a go in a safe, supportive and fun environment.

We are delighted to have had a bumper year for team entries, we were blessed with incredible weather and I would like to thank everyone who raised money and contributed to the fantastic total.

Donations were given by each team entering, as well as two teams unable to take part but keen to support the event; Lady Jane Crew - £200 and Cornwall Rowing Association for the Blind - £100.

An additional donation of £1000 was also presented to the charity on the day from the Newquay Rowing Club Singers.

Alice continued; “Thanks must also go to Newquay Rowing Club and their Secretary Natalie Trebilcock for all of her help in organising the event and also to Lesley Pallet from Zenara Therapeutics who was on hand to give the rowers a massage after the competition, all in support of CHSW.”

Money raised from this event will help CHSW to continue offering vital care and support to over 140 families across Cornwall and Plymouth who have a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness. Support is offered through visits and stays at Little Harbour, palliative care, end of life care and bereavement support as well as virtual support and home visits.

Photos courtesy of This is Newquay