We decided to take on a 24 Hour Tag Team Row; inspired by Oldham Athletic’s very own Frank Rothwell, who was embarking on the World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic Ocean; starting his journey on December 13 on what would eventually take him 64 days to complete 3000 miles!
Frank wanted to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK; to enable them to eventually ‘Find a Cure’; which would be the name of his vessel for this incredible feat. That being said; SCCP decided to help towards this target, as well as contributing towards to local causes that help people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, but also their carers; Dr. Kershaw’s Hospice and Springboard Oldham Dementia Carers Support.
The challenge commenced at Stubby’s Boxing Training Centre in Shaw at 5.30 p.m. (bit delayed start due to traffic!) by myself and Mark; at stages along the way having reprieve from the rower by Abrish, Susan, lads from the boxing gym and even a local councillor Sam Al-Hamdani joined us at 2 a.m.!
We rowed through the night. It was the coldest weekend by a long shot with temperatures as low as 1C which is ok when you are tucked up in bed with the central heating on, but not in a lockup when you are sat waiting for your next turn. At 10 a.m. it was time to air-tag John to start his stint at Scholes Gym on lees Road, whilst we transported the rowing machine (kindly loaned to us by Scholes Gym) to Oldham Athletic’s Fan Bar ; ready to raise further awareness and convince Fans to have a go and donate to ‘their Frank’.
Weather conditions meant we were constantly watching social media accounts for updates as to whether Latic’s match against Boreham Wood would indeed be going ahead; after a pitch inspection at 8.30a.m. didn’t bring a definitive answer and a further two pitch inspections occurred as the day went on.
At 11 a.m. we commenced our rowing again; John having completed his hour stint. The Bar was extremely quiet, most anticipating a called off match; which finally at 1.40 p.m. it was. We continued rowing until 2.30 p.m. which meant between us we had completed 21 hours of rowing; raised only £40 due to lack of attendees. It was soul-destroying.
With sponsorship from businesses who had put their logos onto our 12ft banner that was displayed throughout the challenge; we totalled £300 raised. But the challenge was not completed, we knew we could raise more, despite it being a bad time of year with Christmas approaching.
On January 27, we were to complete what we started. The £300 originally raised was split between Kershaw’s and Springboard and funds raised on 27th were for Frank. We were never doing the full 24 hours again but aimed to start at 11 a.m. and do until at least match kick off at 3 p.m.; we in fact stayed until 6.30 p.m.!
It was a fantastic afternoon. Fans engaging with us, singing and dancing and even having a go at rowing; old and young alike, even Frank’s son Luke and Latics’ Darren Royle had a go, all for Frank!
The count up for the day totalled a further £300, a good contribution; but more importantly amazing memories made and proof that TOGETHER . . We can cross the line.
