Colleagues get into a row for charity venture (From Thisisdorset)

Colleagues get into a row for charity venture

10:00am Friday 5th September 2008

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DORCHESTER work colleagues put their back into a charity venture when they rowed for 100 miles without going anywhere.

The staff at BAE Systems on the Marabout Industrial Estate took it in turns to have a go on a rowing machine to clock up the distance as part of the company's national charity campaign to raise money for Sue Ryder Care.

Their Row for Ryder day saw 20 people taking part and raised more than £1,000 through sponsorship and donations.

Organiser Richard Smith, business development manager, said the non-stop rowing session was their part in a national bid to collect 20,000 miles - the distance round the world.

He said: "There are about 96,000 employees in the company round the UK and they are doing these miles in different ways - cycling round the country, marathons, all sorts.

"I'm keen on rowing and thought it would be a good idea to set up a couple of rowing machines here.

"I'm really pleased at the way everyone is supporting it. Some of the people doing this have never been on a rower before.

"It's hard work, especially on the shoulders and legs. There are quite a few puffed-out people around."

Dorchester Health Club supplied the rowing machines for the event and Somerfield and Graingers in Dorchester supplied the rowers with fruit before the challenge.

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