Rowers from Richmond answered the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)'s "call to oars" recently and helped raise money for the charity amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Over the recent Bank Holiday weekend, the crew of the Royal Shallop Jubilant asked rowers around the UK to join them in the fundraiser by completing the 34 Challenge, inspired by the length of the 34km annual Great River Race, on rowing machines.

Richmond Bridge Boat Club were one of the number to take up the challenge and helped raise thousands of pounds for the child protection society.

Maria Montgomery, NSPCC Community fundraising manager for Surrey, described the organization's gratefulness:

"We want to say a huge thank you to the crew of The Royal Shallop Jubilant for raising so much for the NSPCC.

"Every single penny helps us to continue to be there for children when they need us."

The Jubilant is a replica 18th Century Shallop, a shallow drafted rowing vessel, and was built for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee at Richmond by Mark Edward for the Jubilant Trust and the Thames Traditional Rowing Association in 2002.

One of the Trust’s goals is to make the river more accessible for children.

Sandra May, Jubilant Trust trustee and cox, added her own thoughts on why the Trust had chosen to help the NSPCC:

“We are unable to get out onto the water at present and we thought it would be a great idea to get the rowing community together and raise some money at the same time for a worthwhile cause.

“We chose the NSPCC because we aim our charitable works at children and we know some children are really suffering during lockdown.

“We are really pleased with how the event went and we are hoping to keep the challenges going!”

Some of the challenges completed by fundraisers included making 34 crocheted hearts, moving 34 yards of rubbish, cycling and rowing 34 minutes for 34 days, and baking 34cm sausage rolls.

The group’s Just Giving page had raised a whopping £2,128 so far and they are still looking for donations amid the NSPCC's emergency appeal ‘We’re still here for children’ during coronavirus.

To donate, go to: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/make-a-donation/