Charity challenge to help children and their families

Members of Grange Fitness and Performance Centre rowed more than 3000 miles to reach the North Pole before Christmas, in aid of the CLIC Sargent cancer charity.

The challenge, Row to Santa, saw staff, clients and members of the public take on a portion of the 4234,000 metres from Felixstowe to the North Pole using rowing machines.

Local entrepreneur and gym owner, Mr Brennan urged everyone at the fitness centre to get on a machine and clock up the miles to achieve this mammoth challenge and raise funds for the charity.

He said: “We have had over 200 people take part including pupils from Farlingaye High School, army trainers, and members of the public. It was a huge task but we are really proud that we’ve achieved it!”

Mr Brennan even persuaded a group of soldiers from the local Woodbridge base to take on a 24 hour rowathon to clock up the extra miles needed to reach the North Pole in time for Christmas.

Mr Brennan said of the challenge “the support has been fantastic, everyone has been really motivated to raise as much money as possible to support this brilliant cause.”

Never one to miss an opportunity to promote fitness and help gym members of beat the Christmas bulge, Mr Brennan launched a chocolate amnesty in which all donations will go to the patients and families of the Children’s Oncology unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Daisy Turner fundraising manager for Suffolk said: “We are so grateful to Matt and all those who took part in this unique, festive challenge and for giving up their Christmas treats to support children and young people with cancer.”

If you would like to know more about this challenge or would like to get involved in future events contact Grange Fitness: 01473 623277 or email: matt@grangefitness.co.uk and visit the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/GFProw