UPDATE:  The day went ahead.  Careful consideration was given to whether or not the event should take place, taking into account the period of national mourning for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.  As Beat the Medallist was set up specifically to raise funds for charity, it was decided that the event should go ahead as planned. At the start of the day, a formal gathering of participants took place and a minute's silence was observed in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.  The organisers and participants are very grateful for generous donations that helped to increase the DEC Ukraine fund, from abroad, and from the UK. I look forward to sharing details, in the coming days, of this wonderful event. 

11th September 2022 is a big day on the rowing calendar!  Many months ago I was given a gift of a GB rowing experience day at Upper Thames Club, on the Henley stretch of the River Thames, on this date. Originally it was set for 15th May, but due to injury, some rowers had to withdraw, so it's been re-fixed.  I would like to use this as an opportunity to raise funds for the DEC's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. 

Part of the experience day on 11th September is to beat the GB medallists by raising funds for Ukraine, and "win" seconds off our finish time (over 250 metres) when we are invited to race. The link to this unique VIP GB Rowing experience is here:  https://www.legacy300.com/        and if you would like to support my rowing club, Staines Boat Club, as well, the fundraising link to donate separately for that is here:  https://www.justgiving.com/stainesboatclub  

Here are the reasons why supporting the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal will make a positive difference: 

Intense conflict in Ukraine is threatening the lives and livelihoods of civilians across the country, causing millions to flee. Homes have been destroyed. Essential services have been hit. Families have been separated. People have been injured. Lives have been lost. DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and across the border in the neighbouring countries. They are working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing with food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.  *£30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for three people for one month      *£50 could provide blankets for 4 families to keep them warm    *£100 could provide emergency food for two families for one month.

Thank you for anything and everything that you can do! I promise to publish details of how we all get on as soon as I can after 11th September.