My dad, David Booth, passed away on the 18th December 2022 and I'm raising money in his memory, by rowing ONE MILLION METRES (now TWO MILLION METRES) on a Concept2 rowing machine by the 30th October 2023. That's the equivalent of rowing from The Principality Stadium, Cardiff to Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh AND BACK, (UPDATE - plus The Principality Stadium, Cardiff to Paris AND BACK) which sounds crazy, but it won't be that bad as it's all down-hill on the return leg!!!!

Whilst most of this challenge will be completed at my local gym and at home, the final 2000 metres will be completed on the pitch at Rodney Parade, on the 30th October 2023, courtesy of Dragons RFC (thank you Dragons).

This date is highly relevant as it is the 60th anniversary of Newport RFC's famous 3-0 victory against the mighty All Blacks, my dad being one of 25,000 spectators in the crowd at Rodney Parade on that famous day in 1963.

I was born in May 1964, which I like to think was 9 months after dad found out that he had secured a ticket for the game!!!! Read into that what you want.

Below is the moment that Dick Uzzell's 17th minute drop goal sailed through the posts, sealing victory against Wilson Whineray's All Blacks, condemning New Zealand to their ONLY defeat of their 36 match tour of the Northern Hemisphere. If you look carefully enough you might spot dad in the crowd!!!!!

Dad loved his rugby, in fact spent my mother's engagement ring money on a trip to Paris to watch Wales v France with his mates!! You'll be pleased to know that despite this minor 'set-back', they still got married and celebrated their 61st Wedding Anniversary in 2022.

An inital fundraising target of £1963 has been set, to reflect the year that Newport RFC secured their place in rugby history. Hopefully we'll smash this.

All funds raised will be equally split between two charities

Prostate Cymru - supporting men with benign prostate disease and prostate cancer. Big shout out to Urology Ward D2East at the Royal Gwent Hospital, who looked after dad in his final days and were truly amazing. You're all heroes and we will forever be in your debt.

The Wooden Spoon Society, the children's rugby charity - funding projects to support vulnerable children and young people across the UK & Ireland. Dad simply adored his rugby and his grandchildren meant the world to him.

Thank you for your support, I shall provide regular updates on my progress via the official Concept2 Online Logbook & ErgData App and pictures of me suffering on my journey.

Thanks for the memories dad.