MONEY RAISED
As of 19.00 on Sunday 3rd May the challenge has raised £1,956. A magnificent sum but it would be great to get it over £2K. Plenty of time left to donate - Tommy, Ben and Mark gave it their all - lets chip in if at all possible in these difficult times.

CHALLENGE UPDATE - 13.15 Sunday 3rd May
All completed - brilliant effort!
Tommy completed the 26miles in 2hrs 55mins and Ben and Mark completed the full distance a few minutes later.

CHALLENGE UPDATE - 9am, Sunday 3rd May
Tommy will be aiming to complete the 26 miles in under 3 hours !!!!
BUT, he will keep going and if necessary he says he will go up to 60 miles - incredible !!
How long he goes will depend on how the donations keep coming in - "If the donations keep coming I'll just keep going"
The challenge will be streamed live on the Tynedale RFC Facebook Page.
The best time to catch Tommy AND Ben and Mark will probably be between 10.30 and 14.00.

GOOD LUCK everyone.
To donate to and to tag this challenge visit the JustGiving page and make sure you add "RowintotheRiver" or he won’t keep going after 26 miles!!
Live Stream Link

Ex-Tynedale player Tommy Matthews will be rowing a 26-mile marathon challenge on a Concept II this Sunday May 3rd, starting at 10am, in support of the Tynedale Rugby Club Appeal.
Joining him in the marathon row, via a video link-up, will be current Tynedale coaches Ben Woods and Mark Tampin along with several current players who will be running/jogging/rowing in support of Tommy.
Ex-Sedbergh school pupil Tommy played rugby at Tynedale in his younger days and as well as being responsible for the Tynedale Rugby Club gym is a director at ‘Be Military Fit (BMF)’ – leaders in outdoor and community fitness.

Tommy’s challenge will be streamed live on the Tynedale RFC Facebook page (the stream should come up on the page shortly before 10am) Live Stream Link for updates and progress reports and for for anyone who enjoys watching physical and mental suffering!! Exact link details will be published here when confirmed.
Tommy’s message:-
“On Sunday I’ll be rowing a minimum of 26 miles on a concept II to help a club that means a lot to me and our local community. As an amateur club that plays at a national level and has an amazing junior section, the club is a big part of many in this area. Because of the restrictions caused through COVID 19 regulations the club is now missing out on its main revenue generating months. No festivals, or hire of the facilities over the summer months has put the club into a difficult financial position where there is uncertainty about how next season will be funded. For me it’s not just about the the 1st team although the lads do put in a massive effort every season, it’s about all of the juniors who play at Tynedale and learn the game and all it brings. I’m a huge believer that sport at any level shapes a persons future.
So I’m challenging myself and looking for your support to row for at least 26 miles on Sunday 3rd May. I’ll keep going if the funding for the club keeps coming in.
I played as a junior at the club and in a few years I hope my young boys will get to do the same. Your support will help the club through these very uncertain times.
If the funds keep coming in I’ll keep going.
To donate to and to tag this challenge visit the JustGiving page and make sure you add RowintotheRiver or I won’t keep going after 26 miles!!
I’ll be live on the Tynedale RFC Facebook page during the row for updates and progress report. Most of which will probably be complaints of a sore arse and no feeling in my legs.“
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tynedalerugbyappeal