Warrington rowers attempt record-breaking challenge

Warrington Rowing Club’s J14 squad is attempting to break a number of British records today (Tuesday 19th February), raising money for the North West Lung Centre Charity and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Several members of the J14 squad – including coach Dr. Gael Tavernier (pictured) – have been personally affected by pancreatic cancer in the past year, prompting the club to fight back with a fund-raising challenge.

Dr. Tavernier organised the record-breaking rowathon to take place at the University Hospital of South Manchester – her place of work.

Rowing in relay teams, the J14 squad will attempt to row the full marathon distance of 26-miles – taking on the Junior British record for the distance.

Members of the squad recently broke the team relay short distance British record for their age group at the English Indoor Rowing Championships – picking up a number of titles in the process – and they will be confident of claiming another record today.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tavernier is hoping to break the British marathon record herself, which currently stands at three hours, five minutes and 52 seconds.

Dr. Tavernier has won a minimum of two gold medals for Warrington Rowing Club at every National Masters Championships since 2008, as well as winning at the Henley Masters and Pairs Head in WC2X.

London 2012 bronze medallist Ric Egington is among the supports of the challenge, which began at 10am this morning.

So far more than £2,000 has been raised, and will be split 50/50 between Pancreatic  Cancer UK and the North West Lung Centre Charity.

If you would like to support Dr. Tavernier and the Warrington Rowing Club Juniors, visit www.justgiving.com/teams/wtnmarathon