An indoor rowathon challenge was held in Hatfield to raise money for two charities.

On Thursday, February 2, members of staff at the Herts Sports and Physical Activity Partnership (HSP), took part in a 100-mile (161km) rowathon to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity to everyday life.

The event was launched by the University of Hertfordshire’s vice chancellor, Quintin McKellar CBE who, just after sunrise, rowed for an "energetic and impressive" 12km in record time at the Hertfordshire Sports Village.

With the support of UH students and staff from the HSP Team he eventually passed the 100-mile mark in late afternoon.

By hitting the distance target, the HSP Team also raised £1,021 to support two causes.

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70 per cent will go to the Herts Welcomes Refugees Charity to provide additional sport and physical activity opportunities for refugees who are now based across Hertfordshire - including Ukrainian evacuees, asylum seekers and Afghan arrivals.

The remaining balance of the funding will be used to support the achievements of UH staff member, Andrew Taylor, who - following a double liver and kidney transplant seven years ago - has been selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia, later this year.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Chris Samways, rowathon co-ordinator, and Andrew Taylor.Chris Samways, rowathon co-ordinator, and Andrew Taylor. (Image: Herts Sports Partnership)

The University of Hertfordshire, Herts Sports Partnership and Herts Sports Village have all been assisting Andrew with his preparations for the games.

One of the rowathon organisers, Chris Samways, said: “We are delighted with how the rowathon turned out and we are extremely grateful to staff at HSP and the Herts Sports Village, UH colleagues, UH students and members of the public who gave both their time and money so selflessly in supporting our event.

                                                                                                         

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"We are one of 43 Active Partnerships across England, and our mission is to get more people, more active, more often."

Chris added: "We are indebted to the vice chancellor for his continued support of the annual event and for encouraging the UH community to follow his lead and to help us reach our targets.

"Everyone at HSP wishes Andrew the best of luck for April!”