The seven Police Federations who took part in Flint House’s ‘Row The Channel’ challenge last week displayed terrific teamwork and more than a bit of competitiveness. The rowers vied to outdo each other, but in the end Surrey Police Federation reigned victorious, racing the 23 miles (the equivalent of Dover to Calais) in just over two and a half hours. Surrey Police Federation Chair Darren Pemble said: “A bit of competition is always fun, and even better when you win!” All the Federations said the atmosphere had been great and that, despite aching muscles, their volunteers had enjoyed themselves in aid of a good cause.

The final times in hours, minutes and seconds were:

Surrey: 2.30.27

Bedfordshire: 2.32.17

Essex: 2.32.23

Sussex: 2.32.48

Hampshire: 2.37.54

Kent: 2.44.55

Thames Valley: 2.50.57

So far the challenge has raised an astonishing £11,100, which will go towards providing world-class physical rehabilitation and mental health support to serving and retired police officers.

One particularly generous donation came from Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, who pledged £5,000. Donna explained: “I recently visited Flint House and I was overwhelmed by the tranquility, the beautiful setting, the expertise that is contained within the charity, and what’s being offered to police officers who are recuperating, both physically and mentally. I even met a Hampshire officer who was there recovering from quite a nasty injury.

“So when I heard our Federation was raising money for Flint House, I thought, actually, even just getting one officer back to work earlier is easily saving £5,000 of money here in Hampshire in terms of the loss of their hours. And I know that more than one officer from my force will go to Flint House this year, so for me it’s an investment that’s worthwhile and I know it will pay back to my force tenfold.”

Meanwhile the Secretary of Sussex Police Federation, Andy Standing, said that he was keen to get his team involved in the challenge as Flint House had helped him personally. He said: “There have been two occasions in my career when I have been injured and have had to turn to Flint House for assistance. On each occasion it got me on the road to recovery and undoubtedly back to full operational duties months quicker than waiting for the NHS. The physio and mental health treatment they offer is second to none.”

Mark McIntyre, Secretary of Thames Valley Police Federation, has also been a patient at Flint House in the past. He said: “Flint House is an amazing charity that supports the physical and mental rehabilitation of cops – its funding is entirely through donations and sponsorship and every pound is vital to ensure the excellent work is able to continue.”

Steve Martin, Vice Chair of Essex Police Federation, echoed Mark’s words, saying: “The facilities are excellent, the location is amazing, and the help and treatment provided by the therapists is the best you can get. I have attended Flint House twice during my service and can honestly say that on both occasions it was instrumental in getting me to get back on the road to recovery.”

Surrey’s Darren Pemble said: “We had some great volunteers who stepped up, as I was worried that it would only be me for the 23 miles! It was a fun way to raise awareness of all the good work Flint House does for physical and mental ill health.”

And Neil Mennie, Chair of Kent Police Federation, was proud that his officers had taken part in the challenge, saying: “There’s nothing worse for a police officer than being either injured or suffering from mental health issues, and it’s really important we look after our officers and get them back to the job they’ve chosen to do as swiftly as possible.”