Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club (CUWBC) and Cambridge University Lightweight Rowing Club (CULRC) are embarking on the Row Britannia Challenge in support of Mental Health in aid of Sport Relief.

For each and every one of our team, good mental health is as important as good physical mental health. We want to join others to raise positive awareness of the importance of good mental health in our communities; being able to train together remotely is a really positive activity for us all right now.

Each year our two clubs field 4 crews to race Oxford University in the annual Boat Race over the Putney to Mortlake ‘Championship Course’ in London.

Our women’s and men’s Lightweight crews were able to race on Sunday 15th March, the Lightweight Women coming away with a victory over their Dark Blue counterparts. The Blue Boat and Reserve crew “Blondie” were due to race on the 29th March, but sadly this did not happen. We fully support the decision not to race as we realise the current situation is unprecedented and bigger than any single event.

We wanted to continue the training that we enjoy and to put our physical efforts to good use! We are therefore launching our Row Britannia Challenge in support of Mental Health in aid of Sport Relief.

Row Britannia is a team 2,020 mile rowing challenge, to be completed between 12th November 2019 and 6th June 2020, to raise £3,000 for Sport Relief.

We hope you might choose to support us by making a donation or even jumping on an erg!

Despite being late to the Challenge we are confident we can reach the goal.

Why? In addition to raising vital funds, the positive awareness of Mental Health, Fitness and Wellbeing that they would raise within their communities could be extraordinary. Please raise whatever you can, it is a fantastic cause. We hope that you will take on the Row Britannia challenge!