Former Olympic rower to take part in the Henley half marathon

A FORMER Olympic rower will take part in the Henley half marathon on Sunday for charity.

Debbie Bruwer, who won silver at the 2004 and 2008 Games, is running in aid of the Henley Debt Centre, a charity founded by four churches in the town a year ago to help residents in severe debt and which she manages.

Her husband, Jaco, will be joining her and the two have bought matching shorts and socks which they will wear alongside their Christians Against Poverty singlets, the umbrella charity for the centre.

Mrs Bruwer said her “first love” was running but she was finding it harder to do long distances and was grateful for her husband’s support.

She said: “I got into sport by running when I was a youngster — I used to run cross-country for Yorkshire. As I got older, I got taller and heavier and rowing ended up being the sport for me.

“Running’s just so great — you put on a pair of trainers and go. In Henley it’s amazing as it is so beautiful and I am looking forward to doing the half and going along the river. It’s a great way to get fit and enjoy the outside. I ran it twice in the past as a fit athlete but it’s a bit harder for me now. When I did it before, around 2008, I think I did one hour, 36 minutes. This time, if I achieve two hours, 20 minutes, I will be pleased.

“I really wanted to do a local half marathon. It is great to support local events as people can come watch us and give us a cheer, which we will definitely appreciate. We are also raising money for a local charity.”

To train, she has been running and walking, including going uphill, using her rowing machine at home and cycling.

She said: “In rowing you need to be able to do shorter, more powerful exercise. For seven minutes, I am brilliant. Longer, over an hour, I find a lot more challenging. I will just have to keep going.”

So far, she has raised £675 of her £1,000 target.

Mrs Bruwer said: “I have had donations from people in all areas of my life: my friends, people from the church, past rowers. I keep putting my little posts out on social media to friends.”

Her three-year-old daughter, Neave, will be with friends on the sidelines cheering on her parents.

After the race, the couple will have a small celebration.

Mrs Bruwer said: “I think I will be so tired that I won’t be able to celebrate — we will probably order a takeaway and watch the rugby.”

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/page/debbie-
bruwer-christians-against-poverty

Also raising money for the debt centre is John Thompson, from Nettlebed, who will be running the 5km on Sunday with his sons, Luke, 16, and Kit, 14.

He has been training by going to the gym as well as running.

Mr Thompson said: “I’m feeling slightly nervous but looking forward to it.

“I had been looking to do something with my sons, who are getting older, so we had talked about doing a fun run somewhere and then this opportunity came along. The boys are pretty fit anyway from sport at Abingdon School and I tend to go down to the Love Fitness gym. I have just started a new job so my training has probably not been as good as it could be.

“I would love to be able to keep up with Luke and Kit but I don’t think that will be possible.”

Mr Thompson, who is a director of communications and engagement for Accountancy for Sustainability, said the debt cente was an important cause, especially during the cost of living crisis.

“This is just a small way that we can do our bit,” he said.

“My wife will be coming to cheer us on and I’m hoping that there will be a big crowd. Afterwards, we will go and have brunch in town.”

The family have raised £156 of their £500 target.

Mr Thompson said: “We have not actively publicised it or been calling for people to donate but they have and that, for me, is the most heart-warming part of this process — people care.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.
com/page/john-luke-kit-thompson