Members of 1st Cuddington Sea Scout Group, their friends and families and supporters of the group are being asked to line a stretch of the River Thames and cheer members of the group as they row from Mapeldurham lock and down the 55 miles to the group’s boathouse.The 1st Cuddington group lost two great supporters last year - Judith Mobbs (wife of Alan and former Beaver helper), and Don Everitt (former Scout Leader, Explorer Scout Leader, Rowing instructor, RYA Chief Instructor and much more.) Both individuals and their families received brilliant care from the wonderful team at Princess Alice Hospice.
Richard Hunt, Group Scout Leader said:
“The hospice has a history of supporting our community. As well as Don & Judith last year, in 1998, they supported Recce Hutchinson - former Scout Leader, proponent of pink fluffy slippers, brilliant jokes and very sage advice - and his family in the last stages of his life. As a group and as members of the wider community we value the support that they give.
At Don Everitt's wake, an idea was conceived of undertaking a sponsored row in memory of our friends and to raise funds for both the group and the hospice which provided such exceptional care. What made it even better was that our friends at the 4th Thames Ditton (Ajax) Sea Scouts had started preparation for such an event. Given the work Don did to set up our joint RYA training centre, the idea seemed unbelievably good.”An array of participants are taking part in the sponsored row which kicks off at 00:01 on Saturday. They include Recce's son, Don's children, ex members of the group, current scouts, mums, dads and many more. The first leg includes a team with ex members who won the youth trophy in the Great River Race with Scouts approximately 15 years ago.
The final leg will see group Leaders who worked closely with Don, rowing alongside the team Don coached and coxed to victory in the 2012 under 14 section of the Great River Race. There are more amazing background stories about the teams. Details can be found at www.facebook.com/warspiteseascouts
The Scout group is inviting supporters to join them at the finish to cheer the last boats home and enjoy a summer BBQ. Crews are expected between 5.30 and 7pm. if you would like to join in the fun check out http://scoutsrow.blogspot.co.uk for updated details.To support all of the great teams on this challenge visit https://mydonate.bt.com/events/100milerow
If you know any of the rowers and want to donate to them specifically please visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/1stcuddingtonwarspiteseascoutgroup
So far the group has raised over £3000 online and more using the traditional paper sponsorship form. Their hope is to raise at least £4,000 for the two causes.
Update 22nd June
Richard Hunt emailed me a couple of days ago to say that:
"Over £7900 raised and the boats made it back in fine style at 7pm"That's nearly double the target amount raised! Jolly good going and well done to all concerned.