Scrum row with me, let’s row away

FITNESS fanatics and primary school parents joined forces in a sponsored row.

Former rugby union player Ollie Phillips from Shiplake, is set to embark on a 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic in December.

Ahead of his challenge, Mr Phillips organised “Scrum Row With Me” to be held in aid of two of his chosen charities, Shiplake Primary School, of which he is a parent, and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which helps people affected by motor neurone disease.

Mr Phillips, whose children Lillie-Mae, seven, and Nia, five, attend the village primary school, has set himself a fundraising target of £100,000.

The 42-year-old, who also has a son, Alfie, three, will be accompanied on the challenge by fellow adventurers Julian Evans, Stuart Kershaw and Tom Clowes.

The challenge will start from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12 and finish at English Harbour in Antigua and is expected to take between 40 and 45 days to complete.

For Sunday’s event 28 teams, each comprised of up to six members, rowed continuously on an ergo for around three hours each in one-minute rotations.

After forecasts predicted heavy rain the event was moved last minute from outside in Henley market place to indoors in the Shiplake College Boat House.

Participants could choose whether to row a half-marathon or a full 26 miles on the ergo and it raised about £12,000.

A screen was set up so that teams could keep track of their race position on a big screen, and there was a live DJ set from Toby Coles. Following the fundraiser, teams were invited to a wrap-up party at the Duke pub in Henley where a screening of the Women’s World Cup quarter-final against England and Scotland was held.

Bella Connell was one of a number of participants who attended ADVHQ gym in Newtown Road with Mr Phillips.

Ms Connell, who lives in Hambleden and works as a farmer at Mill End Farm, described the energy in the room as “amazing”.

She said: “The vibe is all about camaraderie and everyone is happy and upbeat. It’s making you dig deeper. It’s a really lovely competitive atmosphere.”

Harriet Allen, from Caversham, was rowing as part of a group from FFT, a CrossFit and Hyrox Gym in Sonning Common.

Ms Allen said that she had underestimated how hard the fundraiser would be. “It’s
difficult,” she said, “more difficult than I thought it was going to be.

“I think it’s a lot more serious than I thought with the screen, which is also good because you want to make people work hard for charity!”

Sean Frost, who is the owner of FFT, said that it was nice to see lots of different fitness communities in the same space.

He said: “It’s so true what they say, Henley is quite a small town and it’s so nice to mix with different fitness groups which have different fitness methodologies, but all with the same goal.”

Another team was formed from members of F45, a gym based in Gardiner Place in Henley.

Jack Shaylor, who owns the gym with his wife Gemma, said: “What an environment, to have 200 people all raising money for charity. It’s nice to see all the gyms in the town here together. The music is up, it’s a great atmosphere and great energy.”

Team Absolute Legends, which was made up of members of ADVHQ gym, featured two members of staff from Shiplake Primary school, PE teacher Sonia Smith and receptionist Anette Crick.

Ms Smith described the challenge jokingly as “absolutely horrific”.

She said: “It was hard but it’s been great fun. It’s an amazing way to raise money for the school.”

George Thomas took part as a member of Team Whiskey, which comprised parents of Shiplake Primary School.

Mr Thomas, who turned up to the challenge dressed as a pirate with clip-on gold earrings, said he miscalculated the intensity of the challenge.

“You can tell by how I am dressed I didn’t take this as seriously as I should have done,” he said. “It’s a great cause and we are still alive and still standing.”

He added: “Thanks to Ollie because, without events like this, I don’t think the school would be as good as it is.”

Mr Phillips said he had “absolutely loved” the event.

He said: “There’s a magic in these events when you bring a community of people together that want to do good things. I’m so grateful for everyone who came down in and showed willing.

“It was beyond what I expected in terms of turnout, enthusiasm and energy.”

Mr Phillips thanked Shiplake College for accommodating the challenge, adding: “They were amazing and supported us in so many ways. I’m eternally grateful.”

For more information and to donate, visit www.justgiving
.com/crowdfunding/oliver-phillips-2