Monday 22 January 2023

Local ‘Rowing Abreast’ challenge recognised in national British Rowing Awards

Last year ten local people, who had never rowed before, embarked on an ambitious ‘Rowing Abreast’ challenge, as part of their personal and collective recovery from cancer.  This week their achievements at Trent Rowing Club will be recognised in the prestigious annual British Rowing Awards.

The team of nine women and one man, from Burton-Upon-Trent, Derby and other local areas has been shortlisted in the awards ‘Rowing Project of the Year’ category. This seeks to recognise rowing projects that have delivered a significant positive outcome during the year, improved wellbeing and undertaken an innovative approach to improve inclusivity.

The ‘Rowing Abreast’ challenge was brainchild of Ali Adams, from Mickleover, Derby. Ali is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in May 2020, who went through a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During Ali’s treatment she found much needed support from the Every Cloud charity, who funded a family holiday giving respite and a chance to make special memories.

Now cancer free, Ali wanted to give back to the charity and looked for a fundraising team challenge that would match the mental strength, determination and endurance needed when facing any type of cancer. She realised that rowing was the perfect fit with the encouragement of her niece, Great Britain’s rower, Olivia Bates, and her doctor, who recommended rowing as ‘the best sport you can do once you’ve had a mastectomy, for the recovery under the arms’. 

Other members of the group – Sharon, Andi, Kim, Amy, Chandree, Amy, Alyssum, Rachel and Jon – are also breast cancer survivors or supporters and range in age from their 30s to early 60s. Each has their own personal story and motivation for participating in the ‘Rowing Abreast’ challenge. 

After many months of training on the River Trent with Trent Rowing Club, the team participated in the Burton Regatta last July, rowing a 1,100 meter course to the applause and admiration of all spectators at the historic annual rowing event.  The team raised an impressive £4,780 for Every Cloud, supporting other local people receiving breast cancer treatment.

James Russell, a volunteer Coach at Trent Rowing Club led the training for the ‘Rowing Abreast’ team.  He says:

“I am so proud of courage and determination of every member of the Rowing Abreast crew.  It’s not easy to learn a new skill, particularly whilst recovering from cancer, and the achievements and positive messages set by the group have been phenomenal.

“Several members of the crew have continued to row, competing at indoor and outdoor events over recent months.  I wish the team every success at the British Rowing Awards this week, I could not think of more worthy winners”.

Ali Adams says:

“It is wonderful that the ‘Rowing Abreast’ team has been recognised at the British Rowing Awards.  The challenge we set ourselves, to row at Burton Regatta, was a really tough one and we have received considerable support from everyone at Trent Rowing Club to untap our potential, spread a love of rowing and raise valuable funds and awareness of Every Cloud”.

The British Rowing Awards will take place on Thursday 25 January.