On 20 September, a Brading Haven Gig Rowers team will take on The Great River Race along the Thames, in aid of Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

From East London to Richmond, the team of six, plus a stand-in rower and cox, will join more than one thousand competitors on a ginormous 21.6-mile challenge.

Setting off just after 11am on Saturday, they expect their challenge to take around three and half hours to complete.

Rowing captain, Sandie, is taking part in memory of her husband, who was cared-for by Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

“We’ve all been training hard, and as a team we all gel well together,” said Sandie.

“We’re going to give this 100 per cent. Rowing gets in your blood. My husband and I always had a boat but he’d think I was mad!”

The gig rowers are members of Brading Haven Yacht Club and will be among scores of competitors (some participants even fly from abroad to take part) and boats, which will set off in groups of ten.

“Many of us, along with our families and friends, have experienced first-hand the extraordinary care, compassion and support Mountbatten provides during some of life’s most difficult moments. This race is our way of giving back,” said the team on their Enthuse fundraising page.

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How to support Brading Haven Gig Rowers at The Great River Race

CLICK HERE to donate to the team's fundraising page 

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They added: “Every donation, big or small, will help Mountbatten continue its vital work: Caring for patients when it is most needed most, supporting families and standing alongside staff. If you’re able, please support us and help keep this incredible lifeline going.”

On any one day, Mountbatten Isle of Wight provides 24/7 care for over 2,300 people with life-limiting illness and those at end of life, in their own homes, through the John Cheverton Centre community space and on the inpatient unit in Newport.